NBA Standings 2017 West: Complete Team Rankings and Playoff Predictions

Looking back at the 2017 Western Conference standings, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and analytical curiosity. That season was a fascinating tug-of-war between established dynasties and hungry rebuilders, and as someone who’s tracked the NBA for years, I still find myself revisiting the narratives that unfolded. The Golden State Warriors, with their star-studded roster, predictably dominated—finishing first with a staggering 67 wins. But what really stood out to me was the grit shown by teams lower in the rankings, many of which were in that delicate phase of rebuilding. It reminds me of a quote I once heard in a different context: "Nasa rebuilding pa kami ngayon, pero 'yung papaano sila mag-commit, iba talaga." That sense of commitment amid reconstruction perfectly captures the spirit of teams like the Denver Nuggets or even the New Orleans Pelicans back then—squads laying the groundwork for future success while fighting for every win.

I vividly remember watching the Houston Rockets, led by James Harden and Mike D’Antoni’s offensive genius, clinch the third seed with 55 wins. Their style was electrifying, but my personal take is that their playoff run exposed some defensive flaws that eventually cost them. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs, always the model of consistency, quietly secured the second spot with 61 victories. I’ve always admired their organizational culture—it’s that same unwavering commitment from the top down that echoes the rebuilding mindset I mentioned earlier. Teams like the Lakers and Suns were stuck in the lower tier, but even there, you could see flashes of potential. For instance, Devin Booker dropping 70 points in a single game felt like a sign of things to come, even if their record was a dismal 24-58.

When it comes to playoff predictions from that season, I’ll admit I had my biases. I was bullish on the Warriors, and rightly so—they cruised to the title with a 16-1 postseason record. But I also thought the Utah Jazz, who finished fifth with 51 wins, were a dark horse because of their defensive discipline. On the flip side, I underestimated the Oklahoma City Thunder, who relied heavily on Russell Westbrook’s historic triple-double season. While they exited early, Westbrook’s MVP-caliber year was a testament to individual commitment amid team transitions. Reflecting on it now, the 2017 West was a masterclass in how teams balance immediate competitiveness with long-term vision. It’s a lesson that resonates today, whether you’re analyzing sports or any high-stakes industry.