NBA

NBA Western Conference set for historic finale: three teams can all finish first

As we close in on the most anticipated time of the year, a milestone that has never been seen before has emerged.

MATTHEW STOCKMANAFP

The last day of the regular season in the NBA has arrived and with it, the end of the action in the October-April stint. This is, of course, before the ball is put in motion once again within the most exciting stage of the year: the Playoffs.

Get ready for month and a half of non-stop action in the fascinating race for The Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy; it is set to be a race full of emotions right until the very end.

Although campaign by campaign the postseason is a whirlwind of feelings inside the court, at least for this 2024, one would bet (based on pure statistics) that we are all experiencing one of the most even contests ever on the Western side of the league. Nothing is settled and all is to play for on Sunday, April 14, when after 82 games per team, the standings will be made final.

Taking into account that the coin is still up in the air for almost all of the teams who are already classified for the next stage of the championship, there is a particular factor that manages to excellently summarise how tense this side of the League is.

Unprecedented Western Conference: three teams vying for one place

For the first time in the existence of the NBA, three teams arrive tied as leaders on the last day of the regular season in the West. We are talking about Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and the current national champions, the Denver Nuggets, all tied with 56 wins and 25 losses, waiting for that final game, which will mark both their present and future.

We are seeing crazy scenes in the Western Conference.

Final day matches (West):

Grizzlies - Nuggets
Thunder - Mavericks
Timberwolves - Suns

Under the aforementioned context, the franchise led by Nikola Jokic would be the one with the best chances of finishing in first place, considering that Memphis has played the last few games with role players and even some reserve players; this in the understanding that they no longer have a chance to qualify.

On the other hand, Phoenix can move up in the standings with a win, and Luka Doncic would have his last chance to add another incredible performance in the personal race for the MVP award; hence, the picture is closer for OKC and Wolves. Whatever happens, we will be there on AS USA to provide you with the latest updates and all the sporting drama as it unfolds before our eyes.

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