The 2023-24 NBA season ended with the Boston Celtics winning their first championship in 16 years, beating the Dallas Mavericks in five games. Now, all eyes begin to shift to the 2024-25 season.
This win has sparked new hopes among Celtics fans who have high hopes for a dynasty resembling that of the 1980s. But, staying on top in the NBA world will not be easy; just ask the Denver Nuggets. This summer, many key players will switch teams throughout the league, mixing up the standings.
Let’s see which teams are looking like they could fight for the 2024-25 NBA Championship.
Boston Celtics
After winning the NBA title, the Boston Celtics, with stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, are going for another championship. They had a top record of 64-18 in the regular season and beat everyone in the playoffs, ending with a win against the Dallas Mavericks in the finals. The Celtics have now made it to the Eastern Conference Finals each of the last three seasons along with two NBA Finals appearances. They are in a good place to aim high again.
However, the team’s leaders must sort out contract talks, like with Derrick White, whose deal is up soon. With their strong record and top team in the Brown-Tatum era, they’re seen as likely favorites for next season.
If they keep up their performance and manage their squad smartly, the Celtics stand a good chance to run back their championship.
Denver Nuggets
Even though they didn’t win last season, the Nuggets are still strong for what comes next because they have Nikola Jokic, who has been league MVP three times in the last four years. With Jokic, the team is considered a threat to win the franchise’s second NBA title.
Denver also had the top offense in the Western Conference last season and has shown they can do well in the playoffs, reaching the second round five times in the last six years.
With key players like Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray back to play with Jokic, the team’s core stays the same.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a top season and now aim for the finals. Anthony Edwards stepped up in a big way, with physical play and exceptional shooting.
The Timberwolves swept the Phoenix Suns in the first playoff round and then went on to beat the Denver Nuggets in a tight seven-game fight. However, their trip ended in the Conference Finals, where they lost to the Mavericks, yet it still showed what they could do.
The team has a solid group, with stars like Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley, and Naz Reid all staying put. This makes a strong base on which the team can build.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks will aim for the 2024-25 NBA crown following a good season, making it all the way to the NBA Finals. But they need to get a better supporting cast around stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving if they are to take that final step. Leaning too much on Doncic and Irving was hard against a tough Celtics team that could very well be there again next year.
Looking ahead, Dallas has cash to spend on new guys, more than most top teams. If they pick well, expect Dallas to put up a big fight for the championship.
Oklahoma City Thunder
After a great run, topping the Western side and reaching the semis, the Thunder are back strong. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who hit an amazing 30.1 points a game last year, their young team looks super exciting. With Mark Daigneault coaching, their defense was solid, giving up the fourth-least points per 100 plays.
The Thunder have lots of cash to spend and appear set on boosting their squad. They’re gearing up for a shot at the title, blending smart plays with young energy.
Celtics’ Jaylen Brown named 2024 NBA Finals MVP
Jaylen Brown was awarded the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP after an outstanding performance in Game 5, where he scored 21 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and delivered six assists to lead the Boston Celtics to a 106-86 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
This victory secured Boston’s 18th NBA championship. Despite a challenging Game 4 where Brown scored a playoff-low 10 points, he rebounded spectacularly, amassing 15 points in the first half of Game 5 alone. Brown averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.6 steals during the Finals, shooting 44% overall.
His remarkable contributions also included a stellar 30-point performance in Game 3 and a historic Game 1, making him the first Celtic to notch 20 points with three blocks and three steals in a Finals game.
Brown attributed his success to teamwork, stating, “I share this with my brothers and my partner in crime, Jayson Tatum.”
Final Thoughts
The 2024-25 NBA year will be huge, with teams like the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets looking good. The Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Oklahoma City Thunder might shock many.
To get ready for the 2024-25 NBA season, it’s smart to analyze team rosters, player stats, and coaching plans to help you make good pro basketball bets. For example, the Lakers’ recent hire of J.J. Reddick will surely influence their 2024-25 season, almost certainly keeping Lebron James on the roster. Where players like Paul George, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey wind up will also play a big role in NBA futures. Keep these tips in mind, and prepare for a most interesting and newsworthy 2024 offseason.
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