As I sit here scrolling through the latest NBA stats and watching highlight reels, I can’t help but reflect on where each team stands in the 2022 season rankings. It’s been a rollercoaster year, with some squads soaring unexpectedly and others struggling to find their rhythm. I’ve followed the league for over a decade, and what strikes me this season is how much team chemistry and mid-season adjustments have shaped the standings. Take, for instance, the quote from Marck Espejo that really stuck with me: "As a team, malayo pa. Malayo pa yung kailangan naming marating, pero malayo na rin yung na-improve ng team mula nung nagsama-sama na kami ulit." That sentiment—acknowledging both the progress made and the long road ahead—resonates deeply with what we’re seeing across the NBA. It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about growth, unity, and how far a team has come since they first clicked.
Looking at the top of the rankings, teams like the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns have shown remarkable consistency. The Warriors, for example, bounced back from a rough couple of years to clinch a top-three spot in the Western Conference by mid-season, thanks largely to Stephen Curry’s MVP-caliber performance—he’s averaging around 28 points and 6 assists per game, though I might be off by a decimal or two. But what impresses me more is their defensive improvements; they’ve shaved off nearly 5 points per game in opponent scoring compared to last season. On the other hand, the Suns have maintained their elite status with a win-loss record hovering around 64-18, building on last year’s Finals run. I’ve always been a bit biased toward underdogs, though, so my heart leans toward teams like the Memphis Grizzlies. Their young core, led by Ja Morant, has exploded onto the scene, and they’ve climbed from a mid-tier team to a legitimate contender. It’s that kind of journey—where a group grows together and surprises everyone—that makes the rankings so dynamic.
Then there are the middle-of-the-pack teams, like the Chicago Bulls or the Dallas Mavericks, who’ve had their ups and downs. The Bulls started strong but hit a rough patch due to injuries, slipping to around the 6th seed in the East. I remember watching a game where their defense just fell apart in the fourth quarter, and it reminded me of Espejo’s point: they’ve come a long way from their rebuilding days, but there’s still so much to achieve. Luka Dončić and the Mavericks, meanwhile, have been inconsistent—flashes of brilliance mixed with frustrating losses. In my view, their reliance on iso-plays might be holding them back; they need more of that collective improvement Espejo mentioned. And let’s not forget the lower-ranked squads, like the Detroit Pistons or Orlando Magic. They’re clearly in rebuilding mode, but I’ve seen glimpses of potential in their young rosters. For instance, the Pistons’ Cade Cunningham is putting up solid numbers, maybe 17 points and 5 rebounds a game, and if they keep developing, they could leapfrog in the coming years.
As the season winds down, it’s clear that rankings aren’t just about current positions—they’re stories of resilience and evolution. From my perspective, the teams that embrace that journey, like Espejo’s group, are the ones to watch. Sure, the Warriors might be favorites, but I’m rooting for the dark horses to shake things up. In the end, whether your favorite team is at the top or bottom, remember: malayo pa, but every step counts.
