With the Blazers cementing a Western Conference Finals berth TI asked OKC Thunder fans if it changes how they view the team’s round one oust by Portland.
On Sunday, May 12 the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Denver Nuggets to earn their spot in the Western Conference Finals. It was something of an upset given Denver was the number two seed in the West and had the home court advantage. Portland will now face the Golden State Warriors to determine the West’s representative in the NBA Finals who may not have Kevin Durant for all (or any part) of the WCF. With the OKC Thunder suffering a disheartening oust in the first round the Blazers win triggered some thoughts.
Northwest Strongest Division in West:
One thing which struck me was how strong the Northwest and Atlantic division has become. Each Division sent four teams to the playoffs (the most of any division in either conference). The fact each still had two teams playing in the semi finals speak to the dominance of their divisions.
Since divisional teams are scheduled to play every team in their own division four times it makes for a harder strength of schedule for those divisional teams. Conversely, imagine playing in the Pacific or Southeast Divisions who featured two and one playoff squads.
That said, the presumption is youthful talent currently on the Suns, Kings, and Mavericks will witness their ascendance in the near future. Likewise, whatever happens with the Pelicans and Anthony Davis could also position New Orleans with multiple young assets. Granted, that would also mean the Pelicans would lose a top five talent.
Still, even if each of those young teams improves the Northwest is loaded and that’s not even touching on the fact the one team who didn’t reach the playoffs boasts Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, and Robert Covington.