Breaking down three likely contenders from each conference with NBA playoffs approaching
NY Post
With about five weeks left in the NBA’s regular season, we have a pretty clear picture of the contenders for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
There have been seven different champions over the last seven seasons.
Will that trend continue and a new team be crowned this season?
Or will the Thunder repeat as champions?
As the regular season winds down, here are the three most likely teams in each conference to reach the mountaintop in June.
The Knicks shouldn’t be underestimated. They’re seemingly lying in wait to hijack the East when the timing is right. Yes, they’re 0-3 against the Pistons (and 5 ½ games behind them through Friday night). But this team wasn’t expected to reach the Eastern Conference finals last season, and we all saw their spectacular playoff run.
LOS ANGELES — A day earlier, coach Mike Brown made an impassioned plea to his players to take care of the ball.
The Dolphins thanked Tua for his service and welcomed Willis.
PHILADELPHIA — Wins like this have been a rarity for the Rangers as of late.
TAMPA — There are players who overhaul mechanics during an offseason or spring training and then cram in every at-bat or inning they can, determined to feel comfortable before the games actually matter.
Daniel Jones received $40 million per season with the Giants.
If you like a sure thing and are uncomfortable with surprises or simply not knowing, what comes next might not be for you.
Most of the words Chris Drury said in July about defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov centered around the defensive side of the $49 million defenseman’s game. The Rangers president and general manager wanted to be better in front of their goaltenders. He wanted improved coverage in high-danger areas. And Gavrikov, inked to a seven-year deal at the start of free agency that month to pair with Adam Fox, possessed “qualities of an elite shutdown guy.”
PORT ST. LUCIE — The power has always been there for Ryan Weathers.
LOS ANGELES — Desperately searching for offense, the Knicks dusted off little-used guard Jordan Clarkson on Sunday.
LOS ANGELES — You may have noticed the recent shift in Jalen Brunson’s stat lines. It’s rather dramatic.
With about five weeks left in the NBA’s regular season, we have a pretty clear picture of the contenders for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The Eagles are keeping a core piece of the defense for the future.
For weeks, Vincent Trocheck spoke like a player who was prepared to be traded.