The 2015-16 NBA season was a memorable one, filled with exciting playoff runs, surprising upsets, and the emergence of future stars. Let's delve into the final standings and revisit some key highlights from this compelling season.
Final Standings: A Comprehensive Overview
The season culminated with the following final standings, broken down by conference:
Eastern Conference
- Cleveland Cavaliers (57-25)
- Toronto Raptors (56-26)
- Miami Heat (48-34)
- Atlanta Hawks (48-34)
- Boston Celtics (48-34)
- Charlotte Hornets (48-34)
- Indiana Pacers (45-37)
- Detroit Pistons (44-38)
Western Conference
- Golden State Warriors (73-9) - A record-breaking season
- San Antonio Spurs (67-15)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (55-27)
- Los Angeles Clippers (53-29)
- Portland Trail Blazers (44-38)
- Dallas Mavericks (42-40)
- Memphis Grizzlies (42-40)
- Houston Rockets (41-41)
It's important to note that the tiebreakers within each conference were complex and involved various factors beyond just wins and losses.
Key Moments and Storylines from the 2015-16 NBA Season
This season presented several significant storylines:
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Golden State Warriors' Record-Breaking 73-9 Season: The Warriors achieved an unprecedented 73-9 regular season record, surpassing the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls' mark of 72-10. This feat solidified their place in NBA history and set a new benchmark for regular season dominance.
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The Rise of Stephen Curry: Curry's performance solidified his place as one of the NBA's all-time greats. His incredible shooting and playmaking ability led the Warriors' offensive charge.
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Oklahoma City's Playoff Run: Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook's Oklahoma City Thunder made a deep playoff run, showcasing their formidable partnership. Their performances highlighted their individual brilliance and their team chemistry.
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Cleveland's Championship Victory: After falling short in the previous finals, LeBron James finally led the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors in seven games. This victory marked a significant moment in Cleveland's sports history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who won the NBA Championship in 2016?
The Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2016 NBA Championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors in seven games.
What was the Golden State Warriors' record in 2015-16?
The Golden State Warriors had a remarkable 73-9 regular season record, a new NBA record at the time.
Which teams made the playoffs in the 2015-16 NBA season?
The playoff teams were listed in the standings above, with the top eight teams from each conference advancing to the postseason.
How did the tiebreakers work in the 2015-16 NBA season?
The tiebreaker procedures are quite complex and involve a combination of head-to-head records, divisional records, conference records, and other factors. The specific details can be found on the NBA's official website (though I cannot provide a direct link as per the instructions).
What were some of the key storylines of the 2015-16 NBA season?
Key storylines included the Warriors' record-breaking season, Stephen Curry's MVP performance, the Thunder's playoff run, and the Cavaliers' championship victory.
This overview provides a comprehensive look back at the 2015-16 NBA season, covering the final standings, key moments, and frequently asked questions. While the season concluded several years ago, its impact on the NBA landscape remains significant.
