NBA Finals Standings 2021: Complete Team Rankings and Championship Results

Looking back at the 2021 NBA Finals, I can't help but reflect on how championship narratives are shaped not just by who wins, but by the context surrounding the competition. That reference to La Salle's incomplete lineup situation particularly resonates with me because in professional sports, we often hear excuses about injuries or missing players undermining a team's true potential. The 2021 Milwaukee Bucks demonstrated precisely why championship teams overcome such circumstances rather than using them as justification for falling short.

When Giannis Antetokounmpo hyperextended his knee during the Eastern Conference Finals, many commentators—myself included—feared Milwaukee's championship aspirations might collapse. The Bucks were facing a formidable Phoenix Suns team that had eliminated the defending champion Lakers and swept the MVP Nikola Jokić's Nuggets. Yet what impressed me most was how Milwaukee's supporting cast stepped up dramatically. Jrue Holiday's acquisition, which I initially questioned given what Milwaukee gave up, proved to be the definitive difference-maker, particularly with his legendary steal and alley-oop to Giannis in Game 5 that will forever be enshrined in Finals highlights.

The statistics from that series still stand out in my memory. Giannis averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 61.8% from the field—absolutely historic numbers that placed him in the conversation with legends like Shaquille O'Neal. His 50-point closeout performance in Game 6 was one of the greatest individual efforts I've witnessed in a championship-clinching game. Meanwhile, Chris Paul, despite being 36 years old, delivered 22.0 points and 8.4 assists for the Suns, though his 19 turnovers throughout the series ultimately proved costly in those critical moments where championships are won or lost.

What many casual observers miss when reviewing these standings is how Milwaukee's path to the championship required overcoming specifically challenging circumstances. They battled through a Nets team featuring Kevin Durant's historic performance, survived that frightening Giannis injury scare, and defeated a Suns squad that had looked dominant throughout the playoffs. This reminds me of that reference material about incomplete lineups—the Bucks could have easily made excuses when Giannis went down, but championship teams adapt rather than complain about their circumstances.

The financial implications of Milwaukee's victory continue to influence team building strategies today. The Bucks' $285 million payroll that season represented a significant investment, but one that ultimately paid off with their first championship in 50 years. Meanwhile, Phoenix's calculated gamble on Chris Paul, who accounted for approximately $41 million of their $133 million payroll, nearly delivered them a title despite what many considered an incomplete roster construction. From my perspective, Milwaukee's willingness to spend into the luxury tax demonstrated a commitment to winning that more franchises should emulate, though I recognize the financial realities that prevent smaller markets from following this model.

The coaching dynamics between Mike Budenholzer and Monty Williams presented a fascinating subplot that I believe doesn't receive enough attention. Budenholzer, who had faced criticism for his playoff adjustments in previous seasons, dramatically altered his approach by shortening his rotation and making timely strategic changes, particularly in how he deployed Brook Lopez defensively. Williams, meanwhile, struggled to find consistent production beyond his core six players, which ultimately highlighted the Suns' lack of depth—a roster construction flaw that became increasingly apparent as the series progressed.

Reflecting on the 2021 standings now, what stands out is how both finalists have followed different trajectories since that championship series. Milwaukee has remained a perennial contender despite injury challenges, while Phoenix dramatically reshaped their roster through the Kevin Durant trade. This divergence illustrates an important principle I've observed throughout my career covering the NBA: championship windows can be extended through strategic roster management, but they're incredibly fragile. The Bucks understood this when they acquired Jrue Holiday, even at the cost of multiple first-round picks—a move I initially questioned but now recognize as essential to their championship formula.

The legacy of the 2021 NBA Finals extends beyond the championship banner raised in Milwaukee. It demonstrated how superstars like Giannis can elevate their games when it matters most, how strategic roster construction can make the difference between contention and championship, and why excuses about incomplete lineups ultimately ring hollow in championship conversations. As we look toward future NBA seasons, the lessons from Milwaukee's triumph continue to resonate—particularly the understanding that true champions overcome adversity rather than citing it as justification for coming up short.