Remember the 2012 NBA season? It feels like just yesterday, but it had its fair share of shocks. Looking back at the standings, some teams really turned heads. The Chicago Bulls, for one, posted an impressive 50-16 record. Who would have guessed that after Derrick Rose’s ACL injury in the playoffs, they’d still dominate the Eastern Conference for most of the season? It wasn’t just their stellar 76.2% win rate either – their defense averaged only 88.2 points allowed per game, the best in the league.
Speaking of surprises, the Philadelphia 76ers also caused a stir. They weren’t exactly title contenders, but finishing 35-31 and then upsetting the Bulls in the first round of the playoffs? That wasn’t something people saw coming. Their victory emphasized the unpredictable nature of the playoffs. Keep in mind, this is the team that barely made it past the regular season with just 53.2% wins. Even more astonishing was Andre Iguodala leading with just 12.4 points per game. Not exactly superstar numbers, right?
Out West, the San Antonio Spurs looked like their old, reliable selves, clocking in a fantastic 50-16 season. The real surprise, though, was their efficiency on both ends of the floor. They weren’t just winning; they were crushing it, boasting an offensive rating of 110.8, the highest in the NBA. Watching Tony Parker dish out 7.7 assists per game felt like seeing a master at work every night. Even with the condensed 66-game schedule due to the lockout, they managed to keep the pace, a testament to Gregg Popovich’s coaching genius.
Now, how about those Indiana Pacers? Finishing third in the Eastern Conference with a 42-24 record was a major shocker. Paul George, only in his second season, showed glimpses of the star he’d become. He wasn’t leading in scoring yet, but his defensive prowess was already making waves. The Pacers’ success largely came from their gritty defense, limiting opponents to 95.4 points per game. I recall reading an article back then comparing their defensive efficiency to that of the 2004 Pistons, which is saying something considering the legacy of that Detroit team.
And who can forget the New York Knicks? At 36-30, they had an up-and-down season, yet Linsanity gave fans a memorable stretch. Jeremy Lin’s rise from nowhere, averaging 14.6 points and 6.2 assists, was a phenomenon. Just consider for a second the quick turnaround – they went from a 34.1% win rate in January to climbing back into playoff contention. Everyone from casual fans to GMs couldn’t stop talking about Lin’s impact. He was even on the cover of TIME; now, that’s a big deal.
Jumping to the Denver Nuggets, they ended 38-28 without a single All-Star. Talk about depth and teamwork! When you look at their pace, the fastest in the league at 96.7 possessions per 48 minutes, it’s clear they had a game plan that worked well with their roster. Ty Lawson’s speed and court vision played significant roles, and it was one of those seasons where coaching acumen made a huge difference.
A real curveball? The Golden State Warriors. Finishing 23-43, they had more talent than their record showed. Steph Curry’s injury-plagued season (limited to just 26 games) derailed many hopes, but this was a team on the edge of greatness. The potential was evident, even with a disappointing year, and it’s wild thinking about how they’d transform into a dynasty just a few seasons later.
The Portland Trail Blazers also had their share of “what if” moments. The team managed a 28-38 record despite LaMarcus Aldridge putting up All-Star numbers. Injuries, again, played a crucial role, sidelining both Aldridge and Nicolas Batum for stretches. Their win-loss reflected a 42.4% win percentage, but it was the promise shown by young Damian Lillard, who hadn’t even been drafted yet, that had fans hopeful.
Turning attention to the Orlando Magic, they finished the season 37-29 under the cloud of Dwight Howard trade rumors. Despite Howard’s impressive stats – 20.6 points and 14.5 rebounds per game – the tension off the court seemed to overshadow their on-court efforts. Those close to the team would remember the constant media focus and how it affected team chemistry. That era led to major changes, with Howard eventually heading to Los Angeles.
Analyzing the overall standings would be incomplete without mentioning the Oklahoma City Thunder. With a 47-19 record, they were simply electric. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, all under 24 years old, posed a triple threat. Durant averaged an astounding 28 points per game. Their rise wasn’t unexpected, given their draft returns and talent, but their leap into elite status happened faster than anticipated.
A notable mention goes to the Boston Celtics. Ending the regular season 39-27, they defied age expectations. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, both over 34, still put up strong numbers. The Celtics’ heart showed as they pushed Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals to seven games. Rajon Rondo’s league-leading 11.7 assists per game played a huge part. I remember thinking how they embodied resilience and experience.
To check out the full standings and enjoy a bit of nostalgia, click here: 2012 nba standings. It’s always fascinating to revisit past seasons and see how they shaped today’s NBA landscape.