Over the recent NBA seasons, one can't help but marvel at certain franchises' ability to make dramatic improvements. Look at the Phoenix Suns, for instance. Just a couple of years ago, they lingered at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. During the 2018-2019 season, they managed only 19 wins. But fast forward to the 2020-2021 season, they shot up to a 51-21 record, which is an incredible jump. This improvement didn't just appear from thin air. The addition of key players like Chris Paul and the maturation of Devin Booker played massive roles.
I recall a particular game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs where Booker dropped 47 points. I mean, 47 points! That's superstar status performance. The Suns’ performance metrics saw increases in both offensive and defensive efficiency, which speaks volumes about their improvements. Phoenix's leap in winning percentage from 29% to 70.7% within just two years is noteworthy.
Another team that caught my eye is the New York Knicks. For a long time, the Knicks were almost synonymous with underperformance and dysfunction. In the 2019-2020 season, their win-loss record stood at a dismal 21-45, putting them way out of playoff contention. However, in the 2020-2021 season, they transformed under the leadership of Tom Thibodeau, achieving a 41-31 record. That's practically doubling their wins! Julius Randle was instrumental, earning the Most Improved Player award. I think it's the epitome of a basketball renaissance when fans start to optimistically compare it to Ewing’s era.
Analyzing another surprising contender, the Atlanta Hawks also made heads turn. The 2019-2020 season saw them finish with a pathetic 20-47 record. But by the 2020-2021 season, they became real competitors, thanks to a 41-31 record. One turning point? Their coaching change from Lloyd Pierce to Nate McMillan. It gave the team a newfound grit and consistency. Trae Young emerged as a reliable leader, posting career-high statistics across the board. One of my favorite moments was when Young scored 48 points in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. What a game!
Then there's the case of the Chicago Bulls. The 2020-2021 team roster underwhelmed with a 31-41 record, lacking the chemistry and firepower needed to compete. But man, the following season saw a radical transformation. Thanks to some savvy offseason moves, like acquiring DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball, they revamped their lineup. Besides, the new head coach Billy Donovan made a difference with his coaching philosophy and game plan execution. The impact of these strategic changes showed immediate results in their win-loss record, scoring a 46-36 by the end of 2021-2022.
Another team worth mentioning is the Charlotte Hornets. Sitting at 23-42 in the 2019-2020 season, they weren't exactly striking fear into their opponents. But with a young and dynamic core featuring LaMelo Ball, who brought a fresh and vibrant energy to the team, they rallied to post a 43-39 record by the 2021-2022 season. One stat that caught my eye was their pace of play—by 2021-2022, they were among the top five in the NBA.
Not to forget, the Memphis Grizzlies have also shown remarkable strides. Their 2020-2021 season ended at a respectable 38-34, but it was the leap to 56-26 in the 2021-2022 season that grabbed attention. Ja Morant's explosive athleticism became a cornerstone of their success. On nights when he scored over 30 points, I felt the Grizzlies had the edge. And I'm not alone in thinking this. Analysts across the board often cite Morant's stat line enhancements - nearly doubling his three-point shooting percentage. To see how diverse these improvements have shaped their season, you can check out Arena Plus let's you track these matches few clicks away by clicking here.
Individually, each team has its own unique narrative. Take the Dallas Mavericks, for example. Luka Dončić, the superstar guard, received more effective support from his teammates during the 2021-2022 season. This was illustrated when the Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs. The Mavs improved their win-loss tally from 42-30 in 2019-2020 to 52-30 in 2021-2022, enhancing their postseason credentials significantly.
Lastly, let’s talk about the Golden State Warriors. Technically, they've always been a powerhouse, but injuries and roster changes saw them fall to a 15-50 record in the 2019-2020 season. It was almost surreal seeing them at the bottom! But players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson returned to form. The Warriors’ resurgence became evident as they reached an impressive 53-29 record by the end of the 2021-2022 regular season. Plus, don’t forget Andrew Wiggins—an addition that met the defensive needs of the team.
In conclusion, the NBA's landscape constantly shifts, and it's thrilling to witness these franchises evolve. Every season brings a new narrative, and as these examples show, teams can flip their fortunes with strategic changes and the right roster moves.