I still vividly remember the 2013-2014 NBA season as one of those transitional periods where the league's balance of power began shifting dramatically. That season marked the end of several eras while hinting at the emerging dominance of players who would define the next decade. Looking back at those standings today, I can't help but marvel at how much has changed while some things remained remarkably consistent.
The San Antonio Spurs finished with the league's best record at 62-20, a testament to their incredible system and the timeless excellence of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. What many forget is how close the Indiana Pacers came to matching that record early in the season before their dramatic second-half collapse. I recall watching Paul George's emergence as a legitimate superstar that year, averaging 21.7 points per game and leading the Pacers to a 56-26 record despite their late-season struggles. The Miami Heat, coming off back-to-back championships, cruised to a 54-28 record, but even then, you could sense the fatigue setting in. LeBron James was still phenomenal, but the supporting cast showed signs of wear that would become more apparent in the Finals.
Out West, the competition was absolutely brutal. The Thunder's 59-23 record earned them the second seed, largely thanks to Kevin Durant's MVP season where he averaged 32 points per game. I remember thinking at the time that this might be OKC's year to break through, especially with Russell Westbrook returning from his previous season's injury. The Clippers and Rockets both finished with 54+ wins, creating one of the most competitive Western Conference playoff races I've witnessed. Meanwhile, teams like Portland and Golden State were building the foundations for what would become their championship cores in coming years.
What fascinates me most about reviewing that season's standings is noticing the teams that were just beginning their ascent. Golden State's 51-31 record doesn't jump off the page, but watching Stephen Curry's development that season, you could sense something special brewing. Similarly, Toronto's surprising 48-34 record and Atlantic Division title signaled the Raptors' emergence as a consistent Eastern Conference force. On the flip side, seeing traditional powerhouses like the Lakers languish at 27-55 served as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in this league.
The playoffs ultimately validated the regular season standings, with the Spurs claiming their fifth championship in a dominant Finals performance against the Heat. But what sticks with me is how that season represented a changing of the guard. The veteran-laden Spurs proved that team basketball could still triumph, while young stars like Durant, Curry, and Paul George were signaling the NBA's future direction. Reviewing those standings now feels like looking at a snapshot of the league at a critical inflection point, where established legends were making their final stands while the next generation was preparing to take center stage. It's a reminder that in basketball, as in life, transitions are inevitable, but greatness always finds a way to express itself through different eras and styles of play.
