The NBA Playoffs are rapidly approaching as we cap off another regular season. As each team gears up to make a run for the Larry O'Brien Trophy, some have separated themselves from the pack as legit title contenders. From the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have dominated atop the Western Conference, or the reigning defending champion Boston Celtics, who have shown no sign of slowing down.
They aren't the only contenders. The Cavaliers have been dominant all season with their star backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell and a scary frontline. Since the Luka Doncic trade, the new-look Lakers have been one of the better teams in the Association. They include a legit third-scoring option in Austin Reaves, who looks like an All-Star caliber player.
Let's get into the four NBA contenders to watch for this postseason.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
The NBA's best team has seemingly been on a heater all season. What makes the Thunder so special is that they are the most talented team in the NBA, yet the youngest, with an average age of 24.1. They have the league's MVP favorite and leading scorer in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who can get anywhere he wants on the floor when he wants to. There's no speeding him up.
Gilgeous-Alexander is producing his best season with averages of 32.7 PPG (leads NBA) on over 50% from the field and 37% from three. No matter the situation, his ability to break any defender one-on-one as a go-to scorer is a valuable asset to a young Thunder team. Add that he's now one of two guards (Michael Jordan) in NBA history with an average of 30+ points on 50% from the field for three consecutive seasons. Unstoppable. However, he isn't the only keen scorer on the team.
The Thunder have the fourth-best scoring offense in the NBA and the best win margin of +12.5. Three points more than the next closest team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are having their best season in over a decade. The Thunder's elite offense isn't just Gilgeous-Alexander. It's a host of guys.
All-Star Jalen Williams took his game to new heights this season, averaging over 20 a game on 48% from the field. He's the Thunder's secondary scorer. He can score on all three levels and is no slouch defensively like his backcourt mate Alexander, as he brings a physicality defensively on the perimeter. Add in Chet Holmgren, the shot-blocking and protecting defensive anchor you need. He's a plus offensively and gives you a third reliable scoring option.