NBA Standings Final: Who Made the Playoffs and Who Missed the Cut?

As I sit here reviewing the final NBA standings, I can't help but feel the electric energy that permeates the league at this time of year. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed countless teams battle through the grueling 82-game season, but this year's playoff picture feels particularly compelling. The journey from October to April reveals so much about team character, and frankly, I'm impressed by how several squads defied expectations. The Western Conference, as usual, delivered absolute chaos until the final buzzer, while the Eastern Conference saw some surprising shifts in the established hierarchy.

Looking at the Western Conference first, the Denver Nuggets secured the top seed with 57 wins, which honestly doesn't surprise me given their incredible depth and Jokić's MVP-caliber season. What truly caught my attention was the dramatic resurgence of the Oklahoma City Thunder – from play-in participants last year to the conference's second seed this season. Their transformation reminds me of Coach Napa's recent comments about teams coming off difficult seasons: "Siyempre, galing kami sa awful season, so yung players are eager to prove something, na makabalik sa kung saan kami dati." This sentiment perfectly captures the Thunder's mentality – a young squad hungry to reestablish themselves among the league's elite. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks rounded out the top four, with Luka Dončić putting up historic numbers that had me jumping off my couch multiple times this season.

The play-in tournament brought its usual drama, and I've got to say, the Lakers securing the 7th seed felt inevitable despite their early struggles. LeBron James in the playoffs is like watching poetry in motion, regardless of what team you support. The Warriors claimed the 8th spot after battling inconsistency all season, proving that championship DNA matters when the pressure mounts. Meanwhile, teams like Houston and Utah showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short – the Rockets' 41-41 record demonstrates significant progress, though they'll need another offseason to truly contend. The disappointment in Memphis was palpable, with injuries derailing what should have been a promising season.

Over in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics dominated with 64 wins – the most in the league – and their net rating of +11.7 points per game was simply staggering. I've been critical of their playoff performances in recent years, but this regular season dominance suggests they might finally be ready to get over the hump. The Milwaukee Bucks secured the second seed despite mid-season coaching changes, though I remain skeptical about their defensive consistency heading into the postseason. The Knicks and Cavaliers rounded out the top four, with Jalen Brunson putting together what I consider the most underappreciated All-NBA season in recent memory.

The play-in picture in the East featured some heartbreaking exits, particularly for the Chicago Bulls, who finished with a 39-43 record – just close enough to taste the postseason but ultimately falling short. The Atlanta Hawks secured the 8th seed behind Trae Young's spectacular playmaking, while the Brooklyn Nets' 32-50 season represents a significant step backward for a franchise that seemed poised for contention. Watching Philadelphia navigate Joel Embiid's injury was fascinating – they managed to clinch the 7th seed, but I question whether they have enough firepower for a deep playoff run without their MVP at full strength.

As the postseason begins, I'm particularly excited about potential second-round matchups in both conferences. The Western Conference feels wide open to me – any of the top six teams could realistically reach the Finals if they get hot at the right time. In the East, while Boston appears dominant, Miami's playoff experience and New York's physicality could create some compelling upsets. Having analyzed playoff basketball for years, I've learned that regular season success doesn't always translate to postseason glory, which is why I'm leaning toward Denver repeating as champions – their combination of size, skill, and playoff experience is simply unmatched. The final standings tell one story, but the playoffs will undoubtedly write another, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.