2015-16 NBA Standings: Complete Team Rankings and Playoff Results Revealed
Looking back at the 2015-16 NBA season, I still get chills thinking about how perfectly it encapsulated the drama and unpredictability of professional basketball. As someone who’s followed the league for over two decades, I can confidently say that this particular season was one for the ages—not just because of the historic championship outcome, but because of the fascinating team dynamics, surprising standings, and individual performances that shaped the playoff picture. I remember watching games night after night, tracking stats, and arguing with fellow analysts about which teams had the right chemistry to go all the way. The Golden State Warriors’ record-breaking 73-9 run obviously dominated headlines, but what often gets overlooked are the gritty, under-the-radar efforts from role players that defined so many crucial matchups. For instance, I vividly recall one game where a relatively unheralded big man played almost 38 minutes and committed no foul as he battled the likes of TNT’s Poy Erram, Kelly Williams, and Calvin Oftana down low. That kind of discipline and endurance might not make the highlight reels, but it’s exactly the type of contribution that separates playoff contenders from the rest of the pack.
When we dive into the complete team rankings, it’s impossible to ignore the sheer dominance of the Western Conference. The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry’s unbelievable 402 three-pointers, set a new benchmark for regular-season excellence. I’ve never seen a team shoot the ball with that level of confidence and efficiency—it felt like they were rewriting the rules of offensive basketball. Right behind them, the San Antonio Spurs quietly put together a 67-15 record, which in most other years would have comfortably secured the top seed. I’ve always admired Gregg Popovich’s system, and that season was a masterclass in unselfish, disciplined basketball. Meanwhile, over in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers clinched the number one seed with a 57-25 record, but honestly, they never seemed as invincible as their Western counterparts. LeBron James was phenomenal, as always, but I remember questioning their consistency, especially on the defensive end. The Toronto Raptors, at 56-26, were a pleasant surprise—their backcourt duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan brought a refreshing intensity that made them a tough out in the playoffs.
The playoff results, of course, are what everyone remembers most vividly. The Warriors’ near-collapse against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals was, in my opinion, one of the most thrilling series I’ve ever witnessed. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were absolutely relentless, and I genuinely thought they had the Warriors on the ropes. But Golden State’s resilience, particularly in Game 6 on the road, showcased why they were a special team. Then came the Finals, where the Cavaliers made history by overcoming a 3-1 deficit—something that had never been done before in the NBA Finals. As a longtime LeBron critic turned admirer, I have to admit that his performance in those final three games was nothing short of legendary. Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-pointer in Game 7 still gives me goosebumps when I rewatch it. But what often gets lost in the narrative is the supporting cast. Players like Tristan Thompson and Matthew Dellavedova made crucial contributions that don’t always show up in the box score. It reminds me of that earlier example of the unsung hero who played nearly 38 foul-free minutes against physical opponents—those are the efforts that build championship teams.
From a strategic standpoint, the 2015-16 season highlighted several evolving trends in the NBA. The emphasis on three-point shooting wasn’t just a Warriors phenomenon; teams like the Houston Rockets attempted over 2,300 threes that season, a number that would have been unthinkable a decade earlier. I’ve always been a bit old-school, preferring a balanced inside-out game, but even I had to acknowledge that the math was undeniable. Pace and space were becoming non-negotiable, and defenses were scrambling to adjust. On the flip side, the success of teams like the Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies proved that there was still room for methodical, half-court basketball. As an analyst, I found it fascinating to watch how different coaching philosophies clashed in the playoffs. The Warriors’ small-ball lineups versus the Thunder’s athleticism, and later versus the Cavaliers’ versatility, created matchups that felt like chess matches. I still debate with colleagues about whether Steve Kerr’s decision to go small in the Finals was a stroke of genius or a necessary gamble—personally, I think it was both.
Reflecting on the season as a whole, it’s clear that the 2015-16 NBA standings and playoff results were a perfect storm of individual brilliance, tactical innovation, and pure luck. The Warriors’ 73 wins, while historic, ultimately felt bittersweet without the championship to cap it off. I’ve always believed that regular-season success, no matter how impressive, needs to be validated in the playoffs, and that’s why LeBron’s legacy got such a massive boost that June. The Cavaliers’ victory wasn’t just a title; it was a narrative-shifting moment that resonated across the league. For smaller-market teams and underdogs, it offered hope that even the most dominant squads could be toppled. And for us fans and experts, it reinforced why we love this game—because no amount of data or predictions can account for the heart and hustle of players who leave everything on the court, whether they’re superstars or role players grinding through 38 minutes without a single foul. As we look ahead to future seasons, the lessons from 2015-16 remain relevant: basketball is a team sport, and greatness is often defined by those willing to do the unglamorous work.