The Athletic NBA Daily
Western Conference playoff race + Most Improved Player award
Apr 8, 2025
Wes Goldberg, host of Real GM Radio and Locked on Heat, joins to dissect the thrilling Western Conference playoff race with only days left in the regular season. They unravel the intense competition among the Lakers, Warriors, and Clippers, emphasizing the stakes of the play-in tournament. The duo also takes a deep dive into the Most Improved Player race, advocating for Tyler Herro and examining the growth of candidates like Lou Dort and Evan Mobley. Injuries and strategies take center stage as teams gear up for the playoffs.
27:48
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Quick takeaways
- The Western Conference playoff race is exceptionally tight, with multiple teams contending for playoff spots and the implications of the play-in tournament looming large.
- Draymond Green leads the Defensive Player of the Year race, but emerging contenders like Lou Dort and Amen Thompson challenge traditional perceptions of defensive excellence.
Deep dives
Chaotic Western Conference Playoff Race
The playoff race in the Western Conference is unusually chaotic, with several teams vying for pivotal positions. As it stands, teams like the Lakers, Nuggets, Clippers, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies are all contending for the 7th and 8th seeds, creating a nail-biting scenario for fans and analysts alike. The introduction of the play-in tournament has made this year's standings particularly unpredictable, leading to the question of whether all low-seeded teams truly deserve a playoff spot. The intensity of the situation raises concerns about the potential for injuries to key players, highlighted by the struggles of teams like the Clippers and the need for major players to perform consistently in high-stakes games.
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