Midseason NBA Check-In: Separating Contenders from Pretenders
As we reach the midpoint of the NBA season, it’s time to reassess the landscape and identify the true title contenders. The first quarter of the season was about recognizing trends, and now it’s about confirming them. With a larger sample size, we can separate the contenders from the pretenders.
Tiered Expectations
Title contention means different things to different teams. For some, like the Denver Nuggets, making the Finals is a success. For others, like the Boston Celtics, anything less than a championship is a disappointment. The Celtics, as defending champions, have title-or-bust expectations, and rightfully so.
The Elite Three
This season, three teams have emerged as the cream of the crop: the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Cleveland Cavaliers. These teams have set themselves apart with their dominant play, and their expectations have been elevated accordingly.
The Thunder and Cavaliers, in particular, have been the story of the first half. They’re a combined 61-9, riding a 25-game winning streak, and are on pace to have two of the most dominant seasons in NBA history. Their play has warranted title-or-bust expectations, and they’ve earned the right to be mentioned alongside the Celtics.
Historic Seasons
The Thunder are having arguably the greatest defensive season in NBA history, while the Cavaliers are checking every box of a team that deserves title-or-bust expectations. They have an elite record, a strong record against teams above.500, and a historic point differential. They’re not just a fluke; they’re a legitimate contender.
The Pressure is On
With these three teams, the stakes are high. Two of them will have their fate decided before the Finals, and whoever falls short will be remembered for a historic choke job. There’s no room for error when you’re playing at this level.
Health is Key
As we move forward, all we can hope for is that these teams remain healthy come playoff time. We deserve to see what these dominant teams can do when they’re at full strength. The drama and excitement are palpable, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable NBA season.
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