The Eastern and Western Conferences are turning into runaway races this NBA season, marking an occurrence not witnessed in nearly four decades. As March Madness captivates audiences, Cleveland and Oklahoma City are solidifying their status as the top seeds in their respective conferences. Though not officially secured, it seems highly improbable that any team will challenge their positions.
There is a realistic chance that both the Cavaliers and the Thunder could finish their conference races leading by at least 10 games. While this is a rare phenomenon, it last happened in both conferences simultaneously during the 1985-86 season, when Boston led the East by 10 games and the Los Angeles Lakers led the West by 11 games.
As of Monday, Cleveland is ahead by 7.5 games, and Oklahoma City boasts a commanding 13-game lead in the West, with just 14 games remaining. It appears the Western Conference race is effectively over, while the Eastern Conference isn’t far behind.
Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault attributes their success to team chemistry. “We’ve really formed a nice chemistry on the court. Great blend. Guys are playing to their strengths,” he explained. The Thunder have not only earned respect within the league but are also favored by bookmakers to clinch the Western Conference and potentially the NBA championship.
The Thunder are making history by outscoring their opponents by 12.4 points per game, a significant accomplishment. Historical data shows that teams with the highest point differentials, such as the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, the 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks, and the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, went on to win the championship.
While Cleveland holds the league’s best record at 56-11 and sports an impressive average score margin of 11 points per game, oddsmakers remain skeptical. Although this performance ranks among the top in NBA history, BetMGM Sportsbook views Boston as the Eastern favorite, placing Cleveland second. Nonetheless, the Cavaliers emphasize their focus on postseason success. “Regular season means something to us, but winning that ring, that’s what really matters to us,” stated Cleveland guard Darius Garland.
Historically, wide conference leads often translate to rings. Since the 1986-87 season, only the 2005-06 Detroit Pistons failed to turn such a margin into a title. Numerous teams with 10 or more game wins went on to secure championships, including Boston last season and Golden State in 2014-15.
For both the Thunder and the Cavaliers, securing a No. 1 seed is secondary to the ultimate goal of winning championships. As Cleveland’s coach Kenny Atkinson stated, “We’re not letting go of the rope, mentally or physically.”
The latest NBA currents continue to shape the season, with these conference races serving as one of the most significant storylines.
