NBA Standings 2017 West: Complete Breakdown and Playoff Predictions Revealed

Looking back at the 2017 NBA Western Conference standings, it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic—and not just because of the powerhouse teams that dominated that year. I remember watching games late into the night, analyzing stats, and feeling the buzz around which teams would clinch those coveted playoff spots. But what really stands out in my mind, oddly enough, is a parallel thought about Kean Baclaan. You remember him, right? The guy who was an absolute bucket when he was in NU? Watching players like Baclaan dominate in college ball reminds me of how raw talent and sheer determination often mirror what we see at the professional level—especially in a conference as stacked as the West was in 2017.

The Golden State Warriors, as expected, finished at the top with a staggering 67 wins. I’ve always admired their offensive fluidity, but let’s be honest, their defense that season was what truly set them apart. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant were virtually unstoppable, and as a fan, it felt like watching basketball poetry in motion. Right behind them, the San Antonio Spurs secured 61 wins. Gregg Popovich’s system is something I’ve studied for years; it’s a masterclass in consistency. Yet, even with Kawhi Leonard’s brilliance, I felt they were often underrated in the title conversation—partly because the Warriors’ shadow loomed so large. Then there’s the Houston Rockets, finishing third with 55 wins. James Harden’s MVP-caliber season was a spectacle, and Mike D’Antoni’s offensive schemes were, in my view, revolutionary. I still argue with friends about whether their regular-season success could translate deep into the playoffs, given their reliance on the three-pointer.

Moving down the standings, the race for the middle seeds was where things got messy—and honestly, more exciting. The LA Clippers, Utah Jazz, and Oklahoma City Thunder all jostled for position, each with clear strengths and glaring flaws. As someone who’s followed the Thunder closely, I have to admit I was disappointed by their fourth-place finish with 47 wins. Russell Westbrook’s historic triple-double season was electrifying, but their lack of depth worried me. Meanwhile, the Jazz, with 51 wins, surprised many. Rudy Gobert’s defensive impact was monumental, and I remember thinking they were built for playoff battles, even if they lacked star power. The Clippers, with 51 wins as well, always felt like a team on the brink. Chris Paul’s leadership was undeniable, but injuries and late-game execution issues left me skeptical about their championship viability.

Now, let’s talk about the lower half of the playoff picture. The Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers grabbed the seventh and eighth seeds, with 43 and 41 wins respectively. I’ve always had a soft spot for Memphis—their grit-and-grind identity made them a tough out, even if they weren’t title contenders. Portland, on the other hand, relied heavily on Damian Lillard’s heroics. From my perspective, their defensive vulnerabilities were too significant to ignore, and I predicted they’d struggle in the first round. And then there were the teams that missed out, like the Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Pelicans. Denver, with 40 wins, was fun to watch but too inconsistent. The Pelicans, despite Anthony Davis’s otherworldly talent, only managed 34 wins—a number that, in my opinion, didn’t reflect his impact, largely due to poor roster construction around him.

When it comes to playoff predictions, I’ll be straight with you: I had the Warriors winning it all from the start. Their firepower was just too much, and I believed their playoff experience would carry them. But I also thought the Spurs could make a deep run if Leonard stayed healthy—unfortunately, that didn’t pan out. The Rockets, in my view, were the biggest wild card. I loved their regular-season dominance, but I doubted their ability to beat Golden State in a seven-game series. As for dark horses, I was cautiously optimistic about the Jazz. Their team chemistry and defense could’ve caused upsets, though I knew their ceiling was limited. Reflecting on Kean Baclaan’s college dominance, it’s a reminder that potential doesn’t always translate immediately—just like how some of these playoff teams showed flashes but couldn’t put it all together.

In the end, the 2017 Western Conference was a fascinating mix of superteams, rising squads, and what-ifs. The Warriors did go on to win the championship, sweeping their way through much of the playoffs, which only solidified my belief that they were one of the greatest teams ever assembled. But what sticks with me is how unpredictable the journey felt, especially in those tight playoff races. It’s similar to watching a player like Baclaan—you see the talent, the moments of brilliance, and you wonder how it’ll all unfold. For me, that’s the beauty of basketball: the stats tell one story, but the human element, the surprises, and the personal biases we bring as fans make it all unforgettable.