(Image via msn.com / ClutchPoints)

Volunteer Writer: Aidan Danforth 

Email: adanforth@umassd.edu 

The NBA regular season has now concluded, and 20 teams are fighting for a chance to be crowned NBA champions. Some have a clear path to the finals thanks to their impressive season while others have to climb higher up the mountain in order to win the title. 

Both the Eastern and Western conferences were very competitive with many seeds coming down to the last game. But who are the top contenders for the NBA title and why? 

5.  Dallas Mavericks

If there is one player who deserves more praise, it’s star point guard Luka Doncic. 

Luka has played the best basketball of his career, leading the NBA in points and points per game and second in assists. After falling out of the playoffs last season, Luka is on a revenge tour, and he is not alone.

Along with the aforementioned Doncic, the Mavs’ weapons arsenal is loaded. The team has seen an improved defensive structure, led by veteran talent in Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford, who have managed to lock down any opposing threat. 

This is a team that went from eighth in the Western Conference to clinching the fifth seed. They have one of the best records coming off the all-star break and look to keep the momentum going in the playoffs. 

Their first-round opponent, the Los Angeles Clippers, will pose a challenge for Dallas since they are 0-2 facing the Clippers in the playoffs. 

There are several other threats that might ruin Dallas’s championship hopes even if they make it past Los Angeles, but the Mavericks are ready for the test. This postseason acts as a statement for Luka to see how well he can perform with the best team he’s had in his career, and if he is truly worth the hype.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

From a play-in team to the third seed, the Timberwolves came out of hibernation and turned into one of the most dominant Western forces.

For much of the season, Minnesota was in contention for the first seed but fell short by one game. This team is full of talent, with star players including Anthony Edwards, Karl Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert.

This has led to Minnesota having the number-one-ranked defense for the 2024 season. The team also has a solid offense that looks to be a tough force to take down. 

The Phoenix Suns will prove to be a challenging opponent because, despite their underperformance, they have players like Kevin Durant who tend to show up come playoff time. 

Minnesota has only dropped 11 games at home while dropping 15 away, so whether it’s home or away, the Timberwolves should be a team to watch throughout the playoffs. 

3. Oklahoma City Thunder 

From just missing the playoffs to being the youngest team to clinch the number one seed, the Thunder has struck the NBA world with their impressive uprising. 

Their rise didn’t come without challenges as Chet Holmgren came from a serious injury and Josh Giddy was facing sexual allegations. However, both players were still leading forces in the Thunder’s dominance. 

There’s also MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous Alexander who finished third in points per game and second in points scored. A team with a dominant scorer like that is sure to make some noise in the playoffs. 

The young team lacks playoff experience, which may hurt them as other teams they may play have veterans who have reached the playoffs and won championships. 

But in the NBA, you can never count out the number one seed in the conference—especially one with a top-five offense and a future as bright as the Thunder.  

2. Denver Nuggets

Despite one of the most competitive years out of the Western Conference, the defending champion Nuggets still appear to be the team to beat for the Western crown. 

This is mainly thanks to center Nikola Jokic, who picks right where he leaves off as he’s about to secure his third MVP. Jokic finished in the top ten in points, points per game, assists, and rebounds. 

Aside from being the best player in basketball, the Nuggets have a similar core consisting of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, and Aaron Gordon. 

As the second seed, the Nuggets have to play the Lakers or Pelicans who are both competitive teams. If they make it past the first round, the challenge will get bigger as there are plenty of teams with firepower that can match up against them. 

Denver is tasked with defending their title by continuing to play aggressive basketball and utilizing their talent to their best potential. The only question is can they get it done and repeat, or will a new new take the crown? 

1. Boston Celtics 

There have been many NBA teams to resurge or improve drastically, but none have come close to the utter dominance of the Boston Celtics. 

Boston has missed out on an NBA title for 16 years, but with the talent and dominance this team has displayed over the season, this might finally be the year they win. 

The team already had star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but upgraded with the additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Not to mention the breakout season from Derrick White. 

The Celtics could be without one or two of these starters and they have still found a way to win in dominating or close fashion. They have been the Goliath of the NBA with 64 wins, four home losses, and a huge advantage among the other east teams. 

This team has no excuses other than to dominate the East in the playoffs and win the NBA title. It now begs the question, can the Celtics get the title after a dominating season, or will they end up like the Bruins?