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It’s always a stark fact that a team can spend half a year demonstrating their superiority only to need an additional couple of months to eliminate any remaining uncertainty.
This scenario applies to the top contenders in both the Eastern and Western Conferences, each of which secured over 60 victories, accumulated significant win streaks of more than 13 games, and exerted considerable dominance over several rival teams. Yet, as they head into the 2025 NBA Playoffs, they continue to seek validation of their championship potential.
Why are we focusing on Oklahoma City and Cleveland?
Well, why not?
The main concern surrounding them—and indeed the only significant one—is that neither team has achieved anything remarkable with its current roster of players and coaches. They are at the initial stages of their championship journey, with their footprints absent from the highest echelon of achievement.
This much is clear. The Thunder faced an earlier exit in the Western Conference semifinals against the Mavericks last year despite holding the top seed, while the Cavaliers were eliminated in the second round after a first-round exit the previous year. However, perhaps due to these disappointments—or better termed as growing pains—both Oklahoma City and Cleveland have seemingly paid their dues.
In any case, the next couple of months—or less if they falter—will unveil the true story. As we speak, one fact stands out: none of the other 14 playoff teams have arrived at this stage with the same degree of dominance as OKC and Cleveland, indicating that the Eastern and Western championships will likely pass through these cities.
Last year, the Boston Celtics dominated the NBA from day one through to the final game, finishing with 64 wins and finishing 14 games ahead of the second-placed Eastern team, the Knicks. They boasted a point differential of plus-11.4, the only team in the league with a double-digit figure.
What transpired subsequently? You know the answer—another banner was hung in the Garden as the Celtics faced little serious challenge, efficiently handling their postseason obligations.
Why highlight this?
To illustrate how the Thunder took all of that and elevated their game to a new level this season.
Oklahoma City has now become the seventh franchise in NBA history to rack up 68 victories. The 16-game gap between them and the second seed in the West set a new record in league history.
Speaking of records, the Thunder outperformed opponents by 1,055 points—also a historic feat.
Cumulatively, 51 of their wins came by double digits.
They dominated the Eastern teams with a remarkable 29-1 record, with their lone defeat occurring on the road against Cleveland, the conference leader.
In every conceivable statistic, OKC was a powerhouse throughout the 2024-25 season, overpowering weaker teams and punishing those with better records. Admittedly, they did fall short in the NBA Cup championship match, meaning they weren’t flawless.
Nonetheless, let’s be clear.
“It’s a unique group of players who operate in an extraordinary manner,” said OKC coach Mark Daigneault. “They deserve extraordinary outcomes. We still have more opportunities ahead of us … they exemplify what one hopes for in a team.”
It’s worth noting that OKC’s key bigs, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, didn’t frequently play together until February. The Thunder still performed admirably without them, showcasing a team that adapts, perseveres, and rejects the notion of excuses—a team that, despite its impressive display, found another gear once fully assembled.
Here are the vital components behind this dominant regular season achievement:
**Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.** Every serious contender requires an MVP-caliber player—someone who forces the opposition to rethink their strategies and sends shivers down their spines. Shai is that player. He is unmatched in scoring across the league and excels in finding ways to put the ball through the net.
His remarkable streak of 72 consecutive games scoring at least 20 points? He also leads the league in 50, 40, and 30-point games.
“Great players make remarkable feats appear routine,” Daigneault remarked.
However, it is Shai’s impact on both ends of the court that energizes OKC. He finished second in steals and fourth in combined stats (steals plus blocks). Speaking of defense…
**Defense.** OKC embodies the principle that defense wins championships. The team successfully limited opponents to just 107 points per game, placing second behind the Celtics. Remember too, that a significant portion of the season was played without one of their rim-protectors.
However, they had someone crucial:
“I remember my first encounter with Lu Dort,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “I had never heard of him before. I thought, ‘Who is this guy?’ He plays with such intensity. He defended me, and I was like, ‘Man, this guy is impressive.’”
**The rise of Jalen Williams.** He has become a prime example of OKC’s player development, evolving into a valued player and an All-Star.
Williams stepped up significantly to contribute on the boards when OKC was short-handed without Hartenstein and Holmgren and improved his offensive skills enough to complement Shai effectively.
**Depth.** The Oklahoma Panhandle mirrors the length of OKC’s bench, stretching out almost as far. This squad deploys multiple units, and the dip in talent is hardly noticeable.
Players like Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, and Jaylin Williams have all provided solid contributions when called upon. Furthermore, the big trade for Alex Caruso last summer illustrated this depth, as he ranks ninth on the team in minutes played. When a defensive stalwart such as Caruso is considered an optional asset rather than a necessity, it highlights the team’s overall depth.
**The importance of size.** Hartenstein and Holmgren have formed a solid partnership during their times of health this season. OKC’s investment in Hartenstein last summer reinforces this importance; he has the strength to handle larger centers, allowing Holmgren more freedom away from the basket.
Thanks to “the H Factor”—Hartenstein averaging 10.7 rebounds while Holmgren provides 2.2 blocks—OKC boasts the kind of quality size that provides them an advantage over many in the playoffs.
In terms of sheer dominance, OKC could be the most formidable team to ever secure the No. 1 seed in recent history, if not ever.
Now, we await their prospects in the postseason.
The Celtics were poised to extend their reign in the East for a second consecutive season, but the Cavaliers had other plans. Cleveland surged from the outset with a 15-game winning streak, maintaining their momentum throughout the season.
They also achieved a franchise-record 16-game win streak in the spring, followed by a 12-game run, during which they faced little challenge. When push came to shove, they displayed resilience in close contests.
Cleveland concluded the season with a 2-2 split against the Celtics—more on that later—and proved a tough opponent for all in the East, save for the Atlanta Hawks for some inexplicable reason. Upon achieving their 64-win season, they outperformed all other Cavaliers teams sans the LeBron James era.
Kenny Atkinson joined the franchise last summer and has ignited a contender mentality within this team—thus far, at least. The new coach motivated the Cavaliers to elevate their performance across the board, and the standings reflect those efforts.
“I was pleasantly surprised by our grit,” Atkinson commented. “While we’ve always been recognized for our skill and ball movement, it’s clear we also possess toughness. You don’t achieve 64 wins without resilience and tenacity.”
Here’s why playoff teams should not underestimate Cleveland:
**Clutch Guards.** Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell are each other’s pillars of support. You can see it in their fourth-quarter dynamics where they trust each other with the ball. This camaraderie offers the Cavs various options in those critical moments.
In the postseason, rival teams will have to make difficult choices, for while many players shy away during crunch time, Mitchell and Garland thrive in it. They want the ball and are willing to share it when necessary.
**Mobley’s Ascendance.** On certain evenings, Evan Mobley can emerge as the Cavaliers’ most pivotal player. His elite defensive skills allow him to guard three positions and make crucial stops on the perimeter, distinguishing him from others of his stature in the league—skills that may earn him the league’s top defensive honor.
“No one else my size possesses this level of agility and wingspan,” Mobley noted. “It’s just not something you encounter… opponents hardly dare to challenge me.”
Offensively, he’s also an increased threat, averaging 18 points per game, earning touches and shots amid a lineup featuring Garland and Mitchell. With a shooting percentage of 55%, Mobley dissuades defenses from doubling down on those guards.
**A Bold Midseason Trade.** It’s uncommon for a 60-win team to make a trade along the way; typically, they feel they have enough firepower and often lack the resolve to disrupt team chemistry with new faces.
The Cavs, however, made a decisive move to enhance their roster, embracing the risks involved. Their choice of De’Andre Hunter looks to be a game-changing addition—an outstanding defender for matching up against Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, as well as a reliable scorer when the Cavs need a crucial bucket.
**Significant Improvement.** The Cavaliers’ decision to part with rotational pieces (Caris LeVert, George Niang) to acquire Hunter can be attributed to the rise of Ty Jerome. The 6-foot-5 guard has shown considerable efficiency (51%) and trustworthiness off the bench, elevating his career averages.
Now, let’s address the major concern. The Cavs enter the playoffs alongside the considerable shadow of the defending champions. The Celtics are healthy, similarly deep, and have experienced playoff battles. Meanwhile, OKC concluded a regular season with no one in the West close behind them. Cleveland, however, faced more challenges.
Yet, there’s a counterpoint: unlike last year when they advanced easily, the Celtics now possess a keen awareness of the formidable challenge ahead and the level of danger presented.
The Cavaliers hold the No. 1 seed for a reason—or rather a multitude of them.
So what could stand in their way come June? Not much.
“The talent available is evident,” Atkinson remarked. “Now, it’s about whether they possess the belief necessary for a championship-caliber mindset. Do you genuinely believe you can defeat Boston? Do you think you can best Indiana? Are you confident in making it to the conference finals?
“That’s the first hurdle. We can only respond when we face the challenge. That lingering question remains. In terms of talent, chemistry, and depth, we have it all. The real test is our mental fortitude to progress to that next level.”
The same holds true for Oklahoma City. The NBA graveyard is filled with numerous No. 1 seeds that fell short of achieving their dreams and never enjoyed the sweet taste of victory.
The playoffs represent a different entity altogether. To advance, you must prove yourself four times in every round. Additionally, it’s often the most on-form team, rather than the best, that claims the trophy in the end.
Yet, Oklahoma City and Cleveland have left tantalizing clues about their capabilities within their respective conferences over the past six months. Securing two more victories may not be a stretch.
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Shaun Powell has been covering the NBA for over 25 years. You can reach him via email, browse his archives, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
