NBA Standings 2019: Complete Team Rankings and Playoff Picture Analysis
2025-11-04 19:12
As I look back at the 2019 NBA season, I can't help but feel that special excitement that comes with playoff positioning battles. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for how team chemistry and coaching strategies impact final standings. The Eastern Conference particularly fascinated me that year, especially when I think about how coaching philosophies like those of Mensur Bajramovic might have influenced team performances. The Milwaukee Bucks absolutely dominated the regular season with that incredible 60-22 record, largely thanks to Mike Budenholzer's system maximizing Giannis Antetokounmpo's unique talents. What impressed me most was how they maintained consistency throughout the grueling 82-game schedule, something many predicted contenders struggled with.
Toronto's championship run was something I predicted early in the season, though many of my colleagues doubted their depth after the Kawhi Leonard trade speculation. The Raptors finished with a strong 58-24 record, second in the East, and demonstrated remarkable resilience in close games. I remember watching their March matchups thinking this team had the defensive discipline to make a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, Philadelphia's 51-31 record didn't fully reflect their potential in my opinion - they had the talent to challenge Milwaukee but struggled with road games throughout the season. Boston disappointed me personally with their 49-33 finish, as I expected more from their talented roster. The Celtics had moments of brilliance but never found the consistency needed for top seeding.
The playoff bubble teams provided the most dramatic storylines in my view. Brooklyn's 42-40 record and sixth seed placement showcased their remarkable development under Kenny Atkinson's system. Detroit barely squeezed into the playoffs at 41-41, while Miami missed out despite their 39-43 record. Orlando surprised everyone with their 42-40 finish and seventh seed, proving that defensive discipline can overcome talent gaps. I've always believed the 8th seed battle reveals the most about conference depth, and Charlotte's 39-43 record keeping them out demonstrated how competitive the East had become. Washington's 32-50 collapse was particularly disappointing to me, as they had shown flashes of potential earlier in the season.
Looking at the Western Conference, Golden State's 57-25 record secured them the top seed, though I felt they weren't as dominant as in previous years. Denver's 54-28 surprise performance proved that team chemistry can overcome superstar power in the regular season. What amazed me was Houston's ability to maintain 53-29 despite early season struggles - James Harden's historic scoring run was something I haven't seen replicated since. Portland's 53-29 record gave them the fourth seed, while Utah's 50-32 marked them as dark horse contenders in my playoff predictions. The Clippers' 48-34 record without a traditional superstar roster demonstrated excellent coaching and development systems.
The playoff picture ultimately revealed how regular season success translates to postseason performance. Milwaukee's dominant run earned them homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs, while Toronto's balanced approach proved perfect for playoff basketball. Golden State's experience showed in their clutch performances despite not having the league's best record. What stays with me years later is how certain teams like Philadelphia with their 51-31 record seemed built for regular season success but lacked the playoff mentality needed for deep runs. The standings told one story, but the playoffs revealed another - and that's why I love analyzing both in tandem rather than treating them separately.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
