Looking back at the 2020-2021 NBA season, I can’t help but feel it was one of the most unpredictable and fascinating campaigns in recent memory. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen a season so heavily influenced by condensed schedules, health protocols, and the sheer mental toll of playing in isolated environments. It’s no surprise that the final standings reflected not just talent, but resilience and adaptability. Teams that managed to stay focused through all the uncertainty often ended up climbing higher than anyone expected. I remember watching the Phoenix Suns, for instance, and thinking early on that they had something special—Chris Paul’s leadership combined with Devin Booker’s scoring prowess created a chemistry that felt almost unstoppable. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; the journey to the playoffs was filled with twists, breakout performances, and a few heartbreaking slumps.

One of the most telling moments came from a post-game interview I recall vividly, where Coach Victolero of an opposing team emphasized the critical nature of their schedule, saying, “We play on Sunday and another one next Thursday (against Phoenix). It’s very important the next few games for us.” That statement, though simple, really captures the pressure teams faced in that final stretch. Every game felt like a make-or-break situation, especially for squads hovering around the middle of the pack. Take the Los Angeles Lakers, for example—they started strong but struggled with injuries, finishing around 42-30, which was a far cry from their dominant 2019-2020 run. On the flip side, the Utah Jazz surprised everyone by clinching the top spot in the Western Conference with a 52-20 record, thanks to their deep roster and Donovan Mitchell’s explosive plays. I’ve always admired how teams like the Jazz use regular-season consistency to build momentum, and this year, it paid off big time.

In the Eastern Conference, the battle was just as intense, with the Philadelphia 76ers edging out the Brooklyn Nets by a single game to finish first at 49-23. Personally, I think Joel Embiid’s MVP-caliber season was a huge factor, but let’s not overlook the Nets’ star power—Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving together were a nightmare for defenses, even if injuries limited their time on the court. What stood out to me, though, was how younger teams like the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks shook things up. The Knicks, led by Julius Randle, jumped from a 21-45 record the previous season to 41-31, and I have to admit, watching their gritty, defense-first approach was a refreshing change from the usual high-scoring affairs. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love analyzing the NBA—the standings aren’t just numbers; they tell stories of growth, strategy, and sometimes, pure luck.

As we dig deeper into the rankings, it’s impossible to ignore the impact of the play-in tournament, which added an extra layer of drama to the final weeks. Teams like the Golden State Warriors, who finished 39-33, had to fight tooth and nail just to secure a spot, and Stephen Curry’s historic scoring run—averaging around 32 points per game—was a joy to watch, even if it wasn’t enough to carry them further. On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets, despite losing Jamal Murray to injury, managed to hold onto the third seed in the West with a 47-25 record, and Nikola Jokić’s all-around brilliance made him my pick for MVP, no question. I’ve always believed that the best players elevate their teams in tough times, and Jokić did exactly that, averaging nearly 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists per game.

Reflecting on the season as a whole, I’d say the 2020-2021 standings highlight the importance of depth and coaching. Teams that adapted to the grueling schedule, like the Suns who went 51-21 and made it to the Finals, proved that preparation and mental toughness are as crucial as raw talent. Coach Victolero’s comment about the importance of each game resonates here—every matchup mattered, and small slip-ups could cost a team several spots in the rankings. For instance, the Miami Heat, who I expected to dominate after their 2020 Finals appearance, stumbled to a 40-32 record, partly due to fatigue and inconsistent performances. It’s a reminder that in the NBA, past success doesn’t guarantee future results, and that’s what keeps analysts like me on our toes.

In conclusion, the 2020-2021 season was a rollercoaster that showcased the league’s dynamic nature, from surprise contenders to established powerhouses facing unexpected challenges. The final standings, with the Jazz and 76ers leading their conferences, might have raised eyebrows at the start, but in hindsight, they make perfect sense given the unique circumstances. As I look back, I’m struck by how much this season reinforced my belief in the value of teamwork and adaptability—qualities that often don’t show up in stat sheets but define champions. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s no denying that this year’s rankings offer plenty of lessons for the future, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how teams build on this in the seasons to come.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.