3 best teams play in the 2 best divisions

[DarkReign]

I was just perusing the NBA Standings on ESPN and noticed that the (in order of record) Pistons, Mavs and Spurs all play in the 2 toughest divisions in the NBA.

How the hell does this happen? How can these 3 teams be so good playing against other really competitive teams in their division?

I mean, only one team in each division is under .500. The rest are all in or fighting for a playoff spot.

I just wanted to bring this up. I think its a credit to these 3 teams. Even MORE credit to the Spurs and Mavs because these 2 friggin powerhouses play in the same GOD damn division! Sheeeeeesh!

I am just amazed. Are these 3 that much better than everyone else? Or is the gap closer than it appears?

Wow....just WOW. That is all.

[JamStone]

If Ron Artest didn't explode the Pacers, it would be the top 4 teams in 2 divisions, and with Memphis, it would arguably be 5.

[bdubya]

Since they went to six divisions, how often has an entire division gone to the playoffs? (I could just look it up, but I'm lazy....)

[ShoogarBear]

Since they went to six divisions, never. Nor do I think it happened under four divisions.

One of the most interesting years was 70-71. Detroit was 45-37 and finished last in their division! Here are the standings:

EAST
Atlantic Division W L Pct. GB
New York Knickerbockers 52 30 .634 -
Philadelphia 76ers 47 35 .573 5
Boston Celtics 44 38 .537 8
Buffalo Braves 22 60 .268 30

Central Division W L Pct. GB
Baltimore Bullets 42 40 .512 -
Atlanta Hawks 36 46 .439 6
Cincinnati Royals 33 49 .402 9
Cleveland Cavaliers 15 67 .183 27

WEST
Midwest Division W L Pct. GB
Milwaukee Bucks 66 16 .805 -
Chicago Bulls 51 31 .622 15
Phoenix Suns 48 34 .585 18
Detroit Pistons 45 37 .549 21

Pacific Division W L Pct. GB
Los Angeles Lakers 48 34 .585 -
San Francisco Warriors 41 41 .500 7
San Diego Rockets 40 42 .488 8
Seattle SuperSonics 38 44 .463 10
Portland Trail Blazers 29 53 .354 19

Under the rules that year, the 1st and 2nd place team in each division made the playoffs regardless of record. So Atlanta made the playoffs ahead of Boston, and SF made them instead of Phoenix or Detroit!

[bdubya]

Thanks. If the Bulls could just get it together, we could see a little history made in the Central...

[DarkReign]

Thanks. If the Bulls could just get it together, we could see a little history made in the Central...

Bulls got it together last night BIG time over hapless Philly.

And guess who is the 8th seed.

History. In the making.

[JMarkJohns]

Don't count out the Pacific. Suns and Clippers will have over 50 wins and the Kings will make the playoffs with a very misleading 40+ win record.

[DarkReign]

Don't count out the Pacific. Suns and Clippers will have over 50 wins and the Kings will make the playoffs with a very misleading 40+ win record.

You know, I checked it out....and youre right. I didnt even look that way but that division is rather close to 4 teams being over 0.500.

The main reason I point out the Central and Southwest though is because those hold the 3 best teams in the league (record wise). Heck, Mavs and Spurs playin the same division. If Artest wasnt....uhhhh....Artest, then we would be adding Indiana to this mix as well.

It just baffles me is all.

But you are right. Most certainly right. Lakers win a game and Warriors/Kings go on a run, and that division can definately be included.