The NBA is the healthiest it's been in decades

What a difference 40 years makes. 

Just five teams won 50 games in 1984-85. The 2024-25 season concluded Sunday with nine teams winning 50 (four others at least 48) and three winning over 60 games.

When was the last time nine teams won 50 games? The 2014-15 season. When was the last time three teams won over 60 games? The 2008-09 season. 

The NBA has come a long way and is arguably the healthiest it's ever been. While the Thunder and Celtics enter the playoffs as overwhelming betting favorites, it would be outright foolish to count out the Lakers, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Warriors or even Clippers as legitimate contenders. 

Furthermore, younger squads such as the Rockets, Pacers and Pistons are intent on making noise, and Giannis Antetokounmpo's Bucks — who won eight games in a row to end the season — may be the most dangerous sixth seed in postseason history.

Basketball fans win

Hoop fans have little to complain about when the postseason gets underway on Saturday. The excitement is augmented by the fact that nearly every contender is healthy — Kawhi Leonard played 47 minutes Sunday to seal the Clippers' playoff berth, Jamal Murray has returned from injury and Damian Lillard is expected back imminently. 

These playoffs also present LeBron James and Stephen Curry, a pair of living legends, their last, best shot at capturing a fifth championship. Standing in their way is a long line of potential successors determined to carve their legacy on the sport's biggest stage. 

We all have horses in this race, but the NBA wins regardless of which team hoists the Larry O'Brien Trophy in June. If the Celtics repeat, we will have back-to-back champions for the first time since 2017-18 and a new dynasty. If James wins, the GOAT conversation gets more heated. If Nikola Jokic wins, he will further his claim as the best center ever. And if OKC or Cleveland prevails, it'll be a win for small-market teams who had to build rosters from the ground up. 

Are you not entertained?