As I look back at the 2020 NBA season, what strikes me most isn't just the championship outcome but the fascinating power dynamics that shifted throughout this unprecedented year. Having followed basketball professionally for over fifteen years, I've rarely seen a season where traditional power structures were so thoroughly disrupted. The Lakers ultimately claimed the title, but the journey there revealed so much about team chemistry, leadership, and what truly makes a dominant squad in modern basketball.
What really stood out to me was how crucial player-coach relationships became during the pandemic-interrupted season. I remember reaching out to several coaches for insights, and one conversation particularly resonated with me. A coach shared how Kevin Durant had initiated contact back in January, simply saying "Hey, coach" before their relationship developed. The coach emphasized how he responded calmly, acknowledging Durant's MVP performance at La Salle and his impressive displays in Korea. That personal touch - taking time to recognize individual journeys while building professional connections - mirrored what we saw from the most successful teams. The Bucks' consistency, the Heat's surprising playoff run, the Clippers' rollercoaster - they all demonstrated that beyond raw talent, the human element determined success.
The Lakers' championship wasn't just about LeBron and AD's brilliance. Their supporting cast shot 38% from three-point range during the playoffs, a statistic that still impresses me when I revisit the numbers. Meanwhile, Milwaukee's Giannis averaged 29.5 points and 13.6 rebounds during the regular season, yet their system couldn't adapt when playoff defenses tightened. I've always believed regular season dominance means little without playoff adjustment capability, and 2020 proved this beyond doubt. The Raptors, despite losing Kawhi Leonard, won 53 games with superior team defense and coaching - something I found particularly admirable.
Teams that embraced flexibility and player development thrived in the bubble environment. The Celtics' Jayson Tatum elevated his scoring average to 26.4 points in the playoffs, up from 23.4 during the regular season. The Nuggets' Jamal Murray transformed into a superstar before our eyes, averaging 31.6 points in their incredible comeback series against the Clippers. These individual breakthroughs reflected organizational strength - the kind built through genuine relationships like that coach described with Durant. When players feel valued beyond their immediate production, they unlock new levels of performance.
Ultimately, the 2020 power rankings tell a story about resilience and adaptability. The traditional measures of dominance - home court advantage, travel routines, fan energy - became irrelevant in the bubble. What mattered was culture, leadership, and the ability to maintain connections despite isolation. The Lakers built their championship on Anthony Davis' defensive versatility and LeBron's unparalleled basketball IQ, but also on the trust they'd developed throughout the organization. Looking back, I'm convinced this season redefined what true power means in the NBA - it's not just about accumulating talent, but about fostering the relationships and environment that allow that talent to flourish under unprecedented circumstances.