NBA 2018 Standings: Arena Plus Flashback

Back in 2018, the NBA was a rollercoaster of emotions and unforgettable moments. I remember watching the Golden State Warriors dominate yet again, securing the championship for the third time in four years. They finished the regular season with a record of 58-24. Steph Curry and Kevin Durant were practically on fire throughout the playoffs. I can’t even count the number of times I saw highlights of Curry sinking three-pointers like they were nothing. This duo brought a combined average of 52.8 points per game during the season, which was absolutely insane.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets were also having a phenomenal season. James Harden, with his signature step-back threes, led the team to sixty-five wins, the best record in the league. Harden was the MVP that season, thanks to his staggering averages of 30.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game. The Rockets looked poised to dethrone the Warriors, especially after pushing the Western Conference Finals to seven games. It was a nail-biter right until the end, but unfortunately for Rockets fans, they couldn’t quite seal the deal. Chris Paul’s hamstring injury in Game 5 was a huge blow, and the Rockets struggled without him.

The Eastern Conference was equally as thrilling. The Toronto Raptors were finally looking like serious contenders. They finished the season with a fantastic record of 59-23. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry were a force to be reckoned with, and the team had a deep bench that could compete with anyone. Yet, their playoff run met its demise at the hands of LeBron James…again. LeBron was practically unstoppable that year, dragging the Cleveland Cavaliers all the way to the NBA Finals despite heavy criticism and doubts. It’s mind-boggling to recall that LeBron averaged 34 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 9 assists during the playoffs that season.

Speaking of LeBron, his 2018 performance cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. There was a game against the Indiana Pacers in the first round where he scored 45 points in Game 7 to avoid an early upset. Those were the moments that made being an NBA fan in 2018 so special. Even though the Cavaliers’ regular season was turbulent, finishing with a 50-32 record, LeBron’s leadership was never in question.

The Boston Celtics also had their own unforgettable journey. They faced numerous injuries, including losing their star signing, Gordon Hayward, just five minutes into the season. Despite that, they finished 55-27, thanks largely to the rising stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who stepped up big time. I still can’t get over Tatum’s dunk on LeBron in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. That was pure electricity!

It wasn’t all about the top teams, though. The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves were fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot. I remember the final game of the regular season between them was essentially a play-in game. The Timberwolves ended a 14-year playoff drought by winning that game, and the Pepsi Center was absolutely rocking.

One thing that stands out from 2018 is the rise of new stars. Donovan Mitchell’s rookie season was especially memorable. He led the Utah Jazz to a 48-34 record and even knocked out the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. His performance earned him a nearly unanimous spot on the All-Rookie First Team. Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers also had an incredible rookie season, leading his team to a 52-30 record. Simmons’ ability to play as a 6’10” point guard was a game-changer, and he was the favorite for Rookie of the Year, a title he eventually claimed.

Then there was the drama surrounding the Kawhi Leonard saga in San Antonio. Leonard only played nine games the entire season because of a mysterious quadriceps injury. The whole situation became a massive talking point, with analysts speculating endlessly about his future. Kawhi eventually got traded to the Toronto Raptors, which turned out to be a franchise-defining moment for them. But that’s a story for another time.

I also can’t ignore the Philadelphia 76ers’ slogan “Trust the Process” coming to fruition. They secured the third seed in the Eastern Conference, and the Wells Fargo Center was buzzing with excited energy. Joel Embiid, with his dominant presence in the paint, averaged 22.9 points and 11 rebounds per game. His partnership with Simmons gave the Sixers a dynamic one-two punch that fans had been waiting years to witness.

Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo was establishing himself as the future face of the league. The “Greek Freak” led the Milwaukee Bucks to a playoff berth with a 44-38 record. His physicality and versatility made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Giannis averaged 26.9 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, showcasing his ability to fill up the stat sheet.

A special shoutout has to go to the Indiana Pacers, who exceeded all expectations. After trading away Paul George, many thought they would be in a rebuilding phase, but Victor Oladipo emerged as a star. He led the Pacers to a 48-34 record and pushed LeBron’s Cavaliers to seven games in the first round. Oladipo’s averages of 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game earned him the Most Improved Player award.

These unforgettable moments and standout performances were what made the 2018 NBA season so captivating. The combination of seasoned veterans and rising stars created a perfect storm of excitement and drama. The Warriors’ dominance, LeBron’s heroics, and the emergence of new talent kept us glued to our screens. And if you’re looking to relive some of those epic nights, arena plus has got you covered with all the flashbacks and more.

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