Oh man, 2020 was quite the whirlwind, wasn’t it? And the way it shook up the NBA standings was no exception. We all know the pandemic threw a massive wrench into pretty much everything, and basketball was right in the crosshairs. When the NBA hit that pause button in March, it was unprecedented. I mean, seriously, can you remember anything like it?
So, here’s the lowdown. The playoffs were originally supposed to begin in April, right? But because of the pandemic, the league suspended all activities for months. It wasn’t until July 30 that the season resumed in the Orlando bubble. Yeah, they basically created a whole bio-secure environment to keep players and staff safe, which wasn’t cheap. I’m talking about a cool $180 million to pull it off. Imagine being the one to sign off on that budget!
Players got tested for COVID-19 daily, and there were strict protocols. In terms of game time, there were no fans in the stands. Ever wondered how that affected the teams? Well, home-court advantage was out the window. Think about it, no roaring crowds, no boos for the opposing team. In a way, it leveled the playing field.
The standings, though, they really saw some changes post-resumption. Take the Phoenix Suns, for instance. These guys went 8-0 in the seeding games inside the bubble. Who saw that coming? I bet you they were a topic of every sports chat and tweet during that period. It still wasn’t enough to make the playoffs, but they sent a message that had everyone talking.
Now, let’s talk data. Before the pandemic pause, the Milwaukee Bucks had the best record at 53-12. They were on a roll. But like everything else in 2020, even the Bucks faced challenges in the bubble. It’s not just about skill and stats anymore; it was also about who could mentally cope with this strange new environment. The Los Angeles Lakers, on the other hand, stayed strong. LeBron James and Anthony Davis led their team to clinch the top seed in the Western Conference. Was it any surprise they went on to win the championship? They had that championship DNA, if you ask me.
Then let’s not forget the social justice movements. The NBA was at the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement during this time. Players took the knee, jerseys displayed powerful messages, and there was a palpable sense of unity and urgency. The Milwaukee Bucks even boycotted a playoff game in response to the Jacob Blake shooting. Talk about using your platform for good!
Another interesting tidbit is the economic impact. The NBA generates a significant chunk of its revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and concessions. With no fans in the stands, we’re talking a major revenue drop. The league saw its revenue fall by around $1.5 billion. It was a hit, no doubt, but the NBA managed to navigate through. Sponsors and TV deals played a crucial role in cushioning the blow.
The pandemic also accelerated the adoption of technology in the NBA. Remember those giant video boards with virtual fans? It was sort of cool but odd at the same time. Still, it gave us a semblance of normalcy, and some would argue it kept the energy somewhat alive. It’s funny how necessity drives innovation, right?
Oh, and let’s not forget the personal stories. Jayson Tatum from the Boston Celtics mentioned how difficult it was to stay motivated without the routine of usual games and training. On the flip side, you had players like Jimmy Butler who thrived in the bubble, leading the Miami Heat all the way to the Finals. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
For every Kawhi Leonard who struggled to find rhythm, there was a TJ Warren who exploded for career-high points games. The Pacers’ forward was virtually unstoppable during the bubble games. It was almost like hitting the reset button gave some players a new lease on their game. Interesting, huh?
As we saw, the effects of the pandemic on the 2020 NBA season were profound and multifaceted. It wasn’t just about standings or wins and losses; it was a grand mix of mental toughness, adaptability, and a bit of improvisation. The league and the players faced a test like no other, and while some stumbled, others soared. The 2020 NBA season will go down in history as one of the most challenging, yet incredible, chapters in the storied annals of the sport.
Catch the detailed 2020 nba standings for a nostalgic trip back to that unusual season.
Honestly, I can’t wait to see what the future holds, but the 2020 standings? They’ll always be a reminder of how resilience can shine through even the darkest of times.