During the 2014 NBA season, fans witnessed some of the most dramatic rises and falls in the standings, with teams either skyrocketing to success or plummeting to unexpected lows. One of the biggest movers was the Phoenix Suns, who absolutely stunned everyone. The previous season, the Suns finished with a 25-57 record, placing them well outside the playoff picture. But in 2014, under the leadership of first-year head coach Jeff Hornacek, they vastly improved to a 48-34 record. That’s a remarkable 23-win improvement, which is incredible in such a competitive league.
Across the nation, people took notice of the Suns’ turnaround. Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragić formed a dynamic backcourt duo, often catching opponents off guard with their relentless pace and aggressive play. Phoenix was fourth in the league in fast-break points, averaging 17.6 points per game. This exemplified their high-octane offense, something that became a hallmark of their playstyle. Despite missing the playoffs by a whisker in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, their performance was widely seen as a major success.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Indiana Pacers’ season was quite the rollercoaster. They started the season strong, leading the Eastern Conference with an impressive 56-26 record. However, their youthful star, Paul George, suffered a gruesome leg injury while playing in a Team USA scrimmage in August 2014. His absence was profoundly felt. With George sidelined, Indiana’s playoff run stumbled, leading to an even earlier-than-expected exit.
The Brooklyn Nets also captured headlines as they experienced significant shifts. After posting a 44-38 record in the 2013 season, their performance dipped to 38-44. Despite having a star-studded roster including Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Kevin Garnett, chemistry issues and injuries plagued their season. Head coach Jason Kidd’s controversial decision to move on from Brooklyn after just one season only added fuel to the fire.
Meanwhile, over in the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks managed to improve from their previous record of 41-41 to an impressive 49-33. Dirk Nowitzki’s consistent brilliance and a well-rounded squad featuring Monta Ellis and Chandler Parsons ensured Dallas remained a force to be reckoned with. The Mavs managed to secure the eighth seed, proving that even in a competitive field, experience and cohesion still matter profoundly.
The Golden State Warriors’ rise, however, was perhaps the most telling sign of a new era. They finished the season with a 51-31 record, an improvement from their 47-35 finish the year prior. Stephen Curry’s emergence as a bona fide superstar, coupled with Klay Thompson’s sharp shooting, gave birth to the iconic ‘Splash Brothers.’ Their offensive efficiency, measured by their 111.6 points per 100 possessions, left fans and analysts alike in awe. This performance underscored the transformation underway in Golden State, propelling them into serious title contention.
Among many notable changes, the Chicago Bulls held their ground admirably without former MVP Derrick Rose. Despite Rose’s recurring injuries, they concluded the season with a 48-34 record. Tom Thibodeau’s defensive-minded approach and the extraordinary play of Joakim Noah, who averaged 12.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, ensured Chicago didn’t falter. Noah’s versatility and tenacity on both ends of the floor cemented him as a cornerstone for the Bulls, keeping them competitive throughout the season.
The Los Angeles Lakers, in contrast, faced a challenging year. Plagued by injuries, including a significant one to Kobe Bryant, their season ended with a disappointing 27-55 record. This represented a 15-win drop from their previous season, marking one of the franchise’s lowest points. Management woes and inconsistent play made their struggles even more pronounced, highlighted by their second-worst record in franchise history.
Across the NBA landscape, these varied movements illustrated the unpredictable nature of the league. Teams like the 2014 nba standings Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors showcased the ability to rise swiftly through a mix of strategic coaching and player development. Conversely, injuries and internal issues led teams like the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets to face unexpected challenges. As the season unfolded, these shifts not only redefined the playoff picture but also set the stage for future developments, proving that in the NBA, anything can happen.