2017–18 NBA Standings and Playoff Results at a Glance
In the 2017–18 season, the NBA featured deep playoff contenders and clear regular-season leaders. The Golden State Warriors claimed their third title in five years, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 4–0 in the Finals. The Warriors finished with the best regular-season record at 58–24, earning the top seed in the West. On the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers led with 50–32, ultimately advancing to the Finals. Below is a concise table capturing final regular-season records and playoff outcomes for marquee teams.
| Team | Won | Lost | Win% | Playoff Result | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors (1st West) | 58 | 24 | .707 | Champion (4–0 vs CLE) | Stephen Curry MVP, led "Death Lineup" |
| Cleveland Cavaliers (1st East) | 50 | 32 | .610 | Finals (0–4 vs GSW) | LeBron James 29.5 PPG; Finals rematch |
| Houston Rockets (2nd West) | 65 | 17 | .793 | Conference Finals (2–4 vs GSW) | James Harden MVP candidate, best record in West |
| Toronto Raptors (1st East) | 59 | 23 | .720 | Conference Semifinals (2–4 vs CLE) | DeMar DeRozan strong season; first East seed |
| Boston Celtics (2nd East) | 55 | 27 | .671 | Conference Finals (2–3 vs CLE) | Al Horford, Jaylen Brown breakout |
| Oklahoma City Thunder (3rd West) | 48 | 34 | .585 | First Round (0–4 vs HOU) | Westbrook MVP season; high-scoring games |
| Philadelphia 76ers (4th East) | 52 | 30 | .634 | First Round (2–4 vs IND) | Joel Embiid emergence; process begins |
Understanding NBA Regular-Season Standings in 2017–18
Standings reflect win–loss records within conferences and divisions, determining playoff seeding. Tiebreakers included head-to-head record, division record, and net point differential in head-to-head games. A top-eight seed in each conference qualifies for the postseason; home-court advantage in the first two rounds follows a 1–8, 2–7, 3–6, 4–5 pattern based on seeding.
Key Standings Metrics
- Win percentage: Wins divided by total games
- Games behind: Difference from the first-place team in a division or conference
- Divisional rank: Order within a three- or five-team division
- Conference rank: Overall seed across the Eastern or Western Conference
Western Conference Standout Teams
The West was led by Houston’s historic 65–17 campaign, the best single-season record that year, though they fell short of the title. Oklahoma City and Utah provided high-level competition, while Phoenix and Sacramento sought direction after playoff disappointments. Depth and veteran leadership helped Golden State maintain dominance despite injuries and rotation questions.
Eastern Conference Standout Teams
Cleveland secured the East’s top seed with consistent excellence from LeBron James and a deep roster. Toronto and Boston pushed the Cavaliers, with Toronto’s home court proving tough. Philadelphia’s youthful core under Embiid signaled a longer-term rebuild, while Indiana and Miami showed the competitiveness of the conference’s lower seeds.
Playoff Structure and Notable Series
The playoffs followed a 16-team, best-of-seven format through the Conference Finals, with the two conference champions meeting in the Finals. Memorable first-round moments included upsets and seven-game series, while the Warriors-Cavaliers rematch highlighted continuity in the Finals. Each round intensified strategic adjustments around lineups, minutes, and shot selection.
Context and Legacy of the 2017–18 Season
2017–18 reinforced Golden State’s short-term dynasty status and spotlighted Cleveland’s sustained relevance. Houston’s near-regular-season perfection set a benchmark, while Toronto and Boston signaled emerging strength in the East. The season influenced subsequent free agency, drafts, and tactical evolutions across the league, with small-ball lineups and three-point volume shaping modern NBA play.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2017–18 NBA Standings and Rankings
Which team had the best record in the 2017–18 regular season?
The Golden State Warriors finished 58–24, earning the top seed in the Western Conference and ultimately winning the championship.
How did the playoffs seeding work that year?
Each conference’s top eight teams qualified. Home-court advantage in the first two rounds followed a 1–8, 2–7, 3–6, 4–5 seeding pattern; matchups were determined by conference rank, not division.
What were the final standings in the Eastern and Western Conferences?
In the West: Golden State, Houston, Oklahoma City, Utah, Portland, Oklahoma City, Sacramento, Phoenix. In the East: Cleveland, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Indiana, Miami, Brooklyn.
Were there any major injuries affecting key teams in 2017–18?
Golden State dealt with Kevin Durant’s Achilles and Klay Thompson’s hand issues in the postseason. Cleveland saw limited availability from Kevin Love in the playoffs, while Houston’s Chris Paul missed time early but returned for deep runs.
How does this season compare to recent years in terms of parity?
2017–18 showed high parity with multiple deep playoff teams, though Golden State and Houston stood out as clear conference leaders. The following seasons would see shifts with new superteams and evolving strategies.