NBA End of Regular Season Update

By Brogan Larose Last updated Apr 3, 2025

Hello, everyone! It’s Brogan LaRose M’26, back here again from another NBA article. The NBA regular season is coming to an end, so in this article, we look over some of the most successful teams in the NBA and how they take their momentum into the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Cleveland Cavaliers

What a season it has been for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are currently first in the Eastern Conference with a record of 60-15, which is four games ahead of the defending NBA champs, the Boston Celtics. The Cavs have been consistently led by their three all-stars: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Mitchell and Garland have proven themselves to be one of the best backcourts in the NBA. Both players have had significant impacts for Cleveland, with Mitchell averaging around 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game, with Garland putting up numbers of 21 points, three rebounds, and seven assists per game. Mobley has been a force this year, which led to him getting selected to his first-ever all-star game with averages of 19 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks per contest. While these three players have been great, the Cavaliers certainly have significant depth that helps bolster their roster. Players such as DeAndre Hunter, Jarrett Allen, Ty Jerome, Sam Merrill and Caris LeVert have all played important roles for Cleveland this season and proved to be established players on a championship-caliber roster. With the Cavaliers’ success, things look very bright for them in the playoffs, when they will have a home-court advantage through the entirety of the Eastern Conference side. While their last championship was in 2016 and recent playoff struggles (i.e. 2023) have been in their way in a hunt for a title, the Cavaliers are in a prime position to capture their second NBA Championship.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are continuing to build off the success they displayed in the 2023-2024 NBA Season. Just like last year, the Thunder are once again the number-one seed in the Western Conference. With a record of 63-12 and 14.5 games ahead of the second-seeded Houston Rockets, the Thunder have been the subject of high praise from NBA media and fans, with people being impressed with a young roster like OKC being able to have so many wins. Of course, the elephant in the room in all of this is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA has made a name for himself this season as an MVP-caliber player with averages of 33 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two steals per game. His offensive ability is off the charts, with the ability to create his own shot whenever he wants to, be a playmaker, and involve his teammates. Jalen Williams has also stepped into a big-time role this year as he became an All-Star for the first time in his career. Averaging 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists, Williams is looking to thrive in the playoffs and build this momentum later in his career as a very established second/ third option on a championship-level team. Other pieces and veterans that have stepped up for OKC include the likes of Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso. All players have showcased their skills in whatever role they have been put in: Wiggins (shooting), Hartenstein (veteran big/rebounding), Joe (shooter), and Caruso (very sound defensive player). Especially with Chet Holmgren’s absence throughout the year, these players have made the Thunder a prominent threat in the Western Conference. While their playoff success is limited due to missing the post-season two years ago and losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the second round, the Thunder look to silence the doubters and make a run toward the NBA title.

Boston Celtics

You can’t forget about the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are looking to go back-to-back this year after defeating the Dallas Mavericks in five games in the NBA Finals. Last year, the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown showcased their skills as arguably the best duo in the NBA. This led to Brown being awarded the Finals MVP. Fast forward to this year, and the Celtics have performed on the good foot this season. With a record of 56-19, the Celtics are continuing their dominance in the Eastern Conference with the stars and depth to back up their championship aspirations. Tatum has averaged 27 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in the year, while Brown has contributed averages of 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists. The depth of the Celtics makes them stick out amongst the NBA. With veterans such as Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Derrick White and Jrue Holiday having a positive impact on what they do yearly, these four players have been paramount to Boston’s success. Payton Pritchard has stepped up into a sixth man of the year candidate, while Sam Hauser has stepped into the role of a high-volume and efficient three-point shooter. With depth like this, the Celtics have made their mark on the NBA and established themselves as the best team in the NBA (if you go by last year). While this year may be a tougher road to the championship, the Celtics certainly have the star power and depth to get a back-to-back.

This time of year is always fun for NBA fans. With the playoffs right around the corner, excitement is building amongst the fans to support their favorite teams in a quest for the NBA title. Time will only tell to see who will come out on top. That’s all I have for now. Be on the lookout for more coming soon.