The Wild West

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

As the playoffs go on in the NBA this year, we’ve seen some upsets, great games and domination. From the Oklahoma City Thunder dominating all the way to Anthony Edwards’ Timberwolves biting the necks of the Los Angeles Lakers, nothing should be shocking this year. The Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers have been a must-see T.V. The Western Conference this year has been the most competitive it has been in its long history.

*Indicates who is winning the series.

*^Indicates who is won the series

#1 *^Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #8 Memphis Grizzlies (4-0)

• The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to dominate and have somehow gotten better even after their historic legendary season in which we went over (Here) how they have a real argument to be the best team in NBA history. The Memphis Grizzlies weren’t favored in any game this series but did put up two great fights in their last two games against the Thunder in close losses. The Thunder now have a week off to rest and game plan for their next opponent who can either be the Denver Nuggets or the Los Angeles Clippers.

#2 Houston Rockets vs. #7 *Golden State Warriors (3-1)

• After their (Houston Rockets) best season since 2019-2020, the Rockets have looked like a team that figured it out. That is until they ran into the hottest team in the NBA. The Golden State Warriors have been a top five team after the acquisition of Jimmy Butler. Holding a record of 23-7 since the trade and don’t forget they have the greatest shooter in NBA history. I expect them to close it out in Houston and give Jimmy Butler the much needed rest for his injury.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #6 *Minnesota Timberwolves (3-1)

• The Minnesota Timberwolves have caught the eye of every single fan this series. A lot of people gave them no chance to win the series but now the chances seem higher than ever today. With a chance to close out the series today and move on, Minnesota has to keep up with their offensive rebounding which has ultimately been the leading factor in why they’re winning this series. 

#4 *Denver Nuggets vs. #5 Los Angeles Clippers (3-2)

• In regards to many, this is considered one of the best series of the entire playoffs due to the matchup. Three of the five games played have all come down to the clutch in spectacular finishes. The one that stands out the most is Game 4 when Aaron Gordon caught a Nikola Jokic air ball and slammed it home for the win just tenths of a second before the buzzer sounded. Denver now will go to Los Angeles to close out the series but that will be a tough task to ask for against Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.