A Look Back at the 2016 NBA Standings and Final Rankings
Looking back at the 2016 NBA season, I can’t help but marvel at how certain teams and players carved their legacies into the league’s history. As someone who’s followed basketball for years, both as a fan and an analyst, I’ve always believed that standings don’t just reflect wins and losses—they tell stories of resilience, strategy, and sometimes, heartbreaking near-misses. That year, the Golden State Warriors dominated the regular season with a historic 73–9 record, eclipsing the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls’ legendary mark. Yet, as we all remember, their playoff run ended in a stunning Finals collapse against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s a reminder that regular-season success doesn’t always translate to championship glory, something I’ve seen play out time and again in my years covering the sport.
What strikes me most about the 2016 standings is how tightly contested the Western Conference was compared to the East. The San Antonio Spurs finished with an incredible 67–15 record—a feat that would have topped most conferences in any other year—yet they were still second in the West. Out East, the Cavaliers cruised to a 57–25 finish, but let’s be honest, the conference lacked the same depth. I’ve always felt that the imbalance made the playoffs feel a bit predictable until the Finals, though watching LeBron orchestrate that comeback from 3–1 down was anything but. On the other hand, teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, posted a solid 55–27 record but fell just short in the Conference Finals. As a longtime Durant admirer, I still wonder how things might have unfolded if a few plays had gone differently.
In many ways, studying the 2016 season reminds me of how athletes like ANGEL Canino approach their craft—constantly learning, even during breaks. I recall reading about how she remains a student of the sport, even while on hiatus from Alas Pilipinas duties and months away from her UAAP return with La Salle. That mindset resonates deeply with me. Just as she dissects game film and refines her skills during downtime, I often revisit past seasons like 2016 to uncover insights that inform my current analyses. For instance, the Warriors’ reliance on small-ball lineups and three-point shooting (they attempted over 31 per game) wasn’t just a trend—it was a revolution. But as we saw, it had its limits when facing a physical, defensively disciplined team like the Cavs.
Reflecting on the final rankings, I’ve come to appreciate how individual brilliance intersected with team dynamics. Stephen Curry’s unanimous MVP season was a joy to watch—he averaged 30.1 points and sank 402 threes, numbers that still feel surreal. Yet, basketball is a team sport, and the Cavs’ supporting cast, including Kyrie Irving’s clutch shooting and Tristan Thompson’s relentless rebounding, proved just as crucial. Personally, I think the 2016 Finals showcased why LeBron belongs in the GOAT conversation—his leadership and all-around stats (29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists in the series) were simply monumental. It’s moments like these that keep me hooked on the game, much like how ANGEL Canino’s dedication to learning fuels her growth, even away from the spotlight.
In closing, the 2016 NBA standings offer more than just a snapshot of wins and losses—they’re a tapestry of narratives that continue to influence today’s game. From the Warriors’ record-setting run to the Cavs’ against-all-odds triumph, it was a season of highs and lows that I still discuss with colleagues and fans. And as someone who values continuous improvement, I see parallels in how professionals—whether in the NBA or leagues like the UAAP—never stop evolving. So, if you’re diving into historical data like this, remember to look beyond the numbers. You’ll find lessons in perseverance, adaptation, and the sheer unpredictability that makes sports so compelling.
