NBA Finals Standings 2021: Complete Team Rankings and Championship Results

Looking back at the 2021 NBA Finals, I still get chills remembering how the Milwaukee Bucks clinched that championship against the Phoenix Suns. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve seen plenty of teams falter under pressure or use injuries as an excuse—but this series felt different. It reminded me of that line from the collegiate sports world, where La Salle might have claimed they lost because their lineup was incomplete. In the NBA, especially at this level, there’s no room for that kind of reasoning. Every team faces setbacks, but champions find a way, and that’s exactly what the Bucks did.

The journey to the 2021 Finals was anything but straightforward. Let’s start with the standings and how each team stacked up. The Bucks finished the regular season with a 46–26 record, placing them third in the Eastern Conference. Honestly, I wasn’t entirely convinced they’d make it all the way—Giannis Antetokounmpo was phenomenal, but the Brooklyn Nets looked unstoppable before injuries hit them. Still, Milwaukee’s resilience stood out. They battled through the playoffs, taking down the Miami Heat, Nets, and Atlanta Hawks, and each series had its moments of doubt. For instance, when Giannis hyperextended his knee against the Hawks, many thought it was over. But unlike situations where teams blame incomplete lineups, the Bucks adapted. Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton stepped up, and that’s what separates good teams from great ones.

On the other side, the Phoenix Suns had a stellar run, finishing with a 51–21 record, second in the Western Conference. Led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker, they swept through the Lakers (who were dealing with Anthony Davis’s injuries), then handled the Nuggets and Clippers. I’ve always admired CP3’s leadership—it’s one of those intangibles that doesn’t always show up in stats. But in the Finals, Phoenix started strong, taking a 2–0 lead. At that point, critics were quick to point out Milwaukee’s flaws, almost echoing the "incomplete lineup" narrative from other sports contexts. However, the Bucks didn’t make excuses; they adjusted their defense, tightened their rotations, and Giannis returned with a historic 50-point performance in Game 6. That game alone, where he shot 16-of-25 from the field and grabbed 14 rebounds, was a masterclass in perseverance.

Digging into the numbers, the Finals averaged around 9.91 million viewers per game, peaking at nearly 12.5 million for the clinching Game 6. From a fan’s perspective, that says a lot about the series’ appeal—it wasn’t just about star power but about storylines. The Bucks hadn’t won a championship since 1971, and seeing a small-market team like Milwaukee triumph over the Suns, who hadn’t been to the Finals since 1993, made it relatable. I think that’s why it resonated so deeply; it wasn’t a superteam steamrolling through, but a gritty, hard-fought battle. And let’s not forget the role players—Bobby Portis’s energy off the bench or Brook Lopez’s rim protection. Those contributions often get overlooked, but they’re crucial in avoiding the "what if" scenarios that plague teams like La Salle in other leagues.

Reflecting on the broader implications, the 2021 season was unique because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with condensed schedules and health protocols affecting every team. Some argued that injuries skewed the results, but in my view, that’s a cop-out. Every champion faces adversity, and Milwaukee embraced it. For example, the Suns dealt with their own issues, like Chris Paul’s hand injury earlier in the playoffs, but they never used it as an excuse. That’s a lesson for any sports organization: focus on what you can control. The Bucks’ victory wasn’t just about talent; it was about culture, built over years under coach Mike Budenholzer. They ranked top five in both offensive and defensive efficiency during the playoffs, and that balance is rare. Personally, I’d rate this championship as one of the most satisfying in recent memory—it rewarded loyalty and hard work over flashy shortcuts.

In conclusion, the 2021 NBA Finals standings and results tell a story of determination over circumstance. The Milwaukee Bucks’ rise to the top, capped by a 4–2 series win, underscores why sports are unpredictable and thrilling. Unlike scenarios where teams might lament incomplete rosters, the Bucks and Suns showed that true contenders adapt and overcome. As a longtime fan, I believe this series will be remembered not just for Giannis’s dominance, but for the collective effort that defines championship DNA. It’s a reminder that in basketball, as in life, excuses don’t win titles—execution does.