The 2024 NBA season is coming to a close. Playoffs are here with us, and fans are crossing their fingers as the best of the best battle it out for the conference finals. Many big teams missed the playoffs, raising questions among pundits and fans alike. Is it the end of an era for Golden State’s holy trinity of Steph, Klay, and Draymond?
LeBron and Anthony Davis couldn’t get past the high-flying Denver Nuggets powered by this season’s MVP, Nikola Jovic. The Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder have been this season’s surprise performers.
Let’s dive into the perspectives of some key teams in this year’s NBA season.
Predictions: Winners and Losers
The conference semi-finals are underway. The Celtics have made their way to the conference finals and await the winner between the Pacers and Knicks. The series is tied at 3-3, and The Sports Prophets predict that the home team will win game seven.
The Nuggets clawed their way back after going 2-0 down to the Timberwolves. This is a tricky matchup with the teams going to game seven. The Mavericks are ahead 3-2 versus Oklahoma City, but you cannot rule out an upset if the young guns draw a surprise comeback over the Dallas Mavericks.
The New Contenders
The Nuggets won the championships last season, and it doesn’t look like they are slowing down. Jokic had a memorable season, winning the MVP and helping the Nuggets beat the Lakers in the playoffs. However, they meet an indomitable Timberwolves team powered by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
New Yorkers can now smile again with how the Kicks have played this season. They dominated the 76ers, beating them 4-2. Their performances against the Pacers have been immense, especially the comeback win in game two. RJ Barrett’s defensive solidity and Jaylen Brunson’s marvelous displays have the fans thinking that the Knicks can win the conference title.
Could this be Oklahoma’s year? Early in the season, most fans and pundits had questions about the team’s experience and size. However, the team has proven their doubters wrong. Their performance against the Pelicans was a testament that they needed to be taken seriously. They made history by becoming the youngest NBA team to win a playoff series.
Another massive performance against a Maverick’s team with Luka and Kyrie Irving was an impressive feat for a team touted as the most inexperienced.
Adapting or Fading?
Many fans had hoped for Giannis and the Bucks after they brought Damian Lillard onto their roster. It also looks like hiring Doc Rivers wasn’t the best decision after this season’s loss to the Pacers in the playoffs. However, losing his best duo to injuries damaged their chances of beating the Pacers.
The Bucks must do what they can to keep Giannis at the Fiserv Forum. Fans and pundits think that the team should focus more on ensuring that Brook Lopez, Lillard, and Middleton are fit and healthy for next season. The team should also work on giving their youngsters more minutes to better their development.
76ers head coach Nick Nurse is still new on the job. Pundits still think that Embiid lacks the toughness to carry the 76ers through the playoffs. Tyrese Maxey has been a revolution, providing Embiid with the needed support. However, the 76ers still lack a solid lockdown perimeter defender.
The Fallen Giants
GSW has been a dominant force in the NBA. Steph, Klay, and Draymond blew teams apart, but they have come short this season, not even qualifying for the playoffs. The team finished 10th in the regular season and lost to the Sacramento Kings in the play-ins.
Rumors are flying in already with fans calling for recruits to help bolster the team. Chris Paul might be on his way out after just one season with the team. Draymond has been poor this season, and despite Curry’s heroics, the team still looks lackluster. Will the owners bring in new talent to support Curry, or will they trust the old guard and hope for a turnaround in form?
LeBron is fast approaching 40. However, he has defied age and put in solid performances this season. The Lakers were blown apart in the first playoff games, losing 4-1 to the current champions led by Jokic. They fired head coach Darvin Ham after their playoff loss, throwing everything into turmoil.