In the first round of the NBA postseason, the Los Angeles Lakers got their rematch with the Denver Nuggets after getting swept in the Western Conference Finals last year. However, Denver handled L.A. once again in five games, although there were cracks in the armor that showed the Nuggets may not be the best team in the NBA after all.
Now more than ever in the NBA there is parity, especially in the Western Conference as more than 10 teams are looking to contend for a playoff spot yearly. As talent level rises and teams become more competitive, upsets are bound to happen at some point.
That situation presented itself on Sunday when Denver hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 7 of the second round. Minnesota ultimately gutted out a comeback winning, erasing a 20-point deficit to beart the reigning champions at Ball Arena. With the Nuggets going down, the NBA will crown a new champion for the sixth straight year:
The NBA will crown a different champion for the sixth straight season.
2023-24: TBD…
2022-23: Denver
2021-22: Golden State
2020-21: Milwaukee
2019-20: L.A. Lakers
2018-19: TorontoThe only other time in league history with six different champions in a six-season span was… pic.twitter.com/HSCjXUXgTN
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 20, 2024
Repeating as champions is harder now more than ever as competition is going to continue to grow around the league. There is a talent overload and players are as skilled as ever, making it hard for champions to get to a second straight title.
When thinking about dynasties, the Lakers organization is at the top of the list. They have repeated three times, including a three-peat from 2000-02. However, the Lakers are looking to recapture that feeling as after winning in 2020, they have battled injuries that have kept them from getting back to the mountaintop.
Heading into the Conference Finals, teams like the Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers and the Dallas Mavericks are now four wins away from making a Finals appearance, which is something that many did not see transpiring this year. But that is a great thing in terms of viewing experience as the league is full or parity with anyone having a chance to compete for a title.
NBA Playoffs schedule: Conference Finals dates, times & TV info
While it stings to not see the Lakers hoisting another Larry O’Brien trophy, this postseason has been entertaining as young stars are getting a chance to shine. After two Game 7s on Sunday, the Conference Finals were set and feature some of the best rising stars in the league.
Expect some high-level play from the Boston Celtics, Pacers, Mavericks and Timberwolves as they look to punch their tickets to the Finals. The NBA released the schedule for the Conference Finals, kicking off on Tuesday with the Celtics and Pacers.
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