Los Angeles, California – The completion of the 2024-25 NBA regular season marks the beginning of the journey towards the postseason for teams across the league. With 1,230 games played, the playoff bracket is nearly set, with 16 teams gearing up for the intense competition of Game 1. Before wrapping up this season’s edition of Power Rankings, it’s crucial to assess the final grades for each team based on their performance in the last five weeks of the regular season.
As the NBA’s fourth quarter tends to bring surprises and shifts in team priorities, evaluating each team’s record in the last 20 games offers insight into their momentum heading into the playoffs. These grades take into account overall season performance as well as recent successes or challenges faced by each team. From top contenders dominating the league to teams struggling to maintain a competitive edge, the final assessments provide a comprehensive overview of each team’s journey leading up to the postseason.
Throughout the rankings, teams are categorized into different tiers based on their performance and potential. From top contenders to teams on the bubble fighting for a playoff spot, the Power Rankings offer a glimpse into the competitive landscape of the NBA as teams prepare for the postseason battles ahead. As the regular season comes to a close, the stage is set for an electrifying playoff season filled with intense matchups and captivating performances from the league’s best teams and players.
In this week’s edition of The Athletic’s NBA Power Rankings, teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland Cavaliers showcase their dominance on the court, while others like the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets face challenges and opportunities as they gear up for playoff contention. With each team vying for a shot at postseason success, the final grades provide a snapshot of the league’s competitive spirit and the diversity of strengths and weaknesses among the teams.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, fans can expect thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and standout performances from the top contenders as they battle it out for a chance at championship glory. As the regular season concludes and the postseason excitement builds, the Power Rankings offer a comprehensive look at each team’s journey, successes, and challenges throughout the season. With the playoffs on the horizon, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the 2024-25 NBA season.