Every NBA Title-Contender’s Biggest Weakness Heading Into 2024 Playoffs

As the NBA heads into the 2024 playoffs after a few weeks, excitement and anticipation grip fans worldwide as they prepare to witness the ultimate showdowns among the league’s top contenders. However, there are weaknesses that each title contender must confront in their quest for basketball immortality.

We will delve into the biggest weaknesses plaguing each title contender, shedding light on the hurdles they must overcome to hoist the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy at season’s end. Favorites such as the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are poised to make deep title runs, but even they have major questions that need to be answered.

Boston Celtics – Closing Games

Team Record: 53-14, 1st in Eastern Conference

Rankings: 2nd PPG, 6th OPPG

Despite their excellent regular season record and solid performance on both ends of the court, there are doubts about the Boston Celtics’ ability to perform in clutch moments. In playoff basketball, where games often come down to the wire, teams need to be able to execute under pressure. If the Celtics continue to struggle in clutch situations, it could cost them crucial playoff games and the eyes will be on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in that sense.

The fact that they went 0-2 against the Denver Nuggets in the regular season is a cause for concern. While regular-season matchups don’t always predict playoff outcomes, it does indicate that the Celtics may struggle against legitimate title challengers where talent won’t be enough to win. They’ll need to make adjustments and potentially develop strategies to overcome these hurdles if they meet the Nuggets in the playoffs.

Denver Nuggets – Championship Fatigue

Team Record: 47-21, 2nd in Western Conference

Rankings: 15th PPG, 7th OPPG

Denver is the favorite to reach the Finals this year, as the reigning NBA champions led by the best player in the world, Nikola Jokic. However, the Nuggets’ potential inability to secure a top-two seed in the Western Conference could pose a significant challenge since the Timberwolves and Thunder are competing for those seeds as well. 

While they’ve demonstrated their capabilities in the playoffs before, securing a higher seed generally provides a more favorable path and home-court advantage in crucial matchups. The West is typically stacked with talented teams, and slipping in the seeding could result in tougher matchups earlier in the playoffs, making their journey to the Finals more challenging.

Another concern for the Nuggets is the toll of making another deep playoff run. While they have a cohesive roster and key players like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the extended physical and mental strain of multiple playoff series can lead to fatigue. Championship fatigue is real and it is never easy to go back-to-back, but that likely won’t be much of an issue considering the players are in their primes. Managing player minutes and exploiting matchups will be crucial for the Nuggets to retain their throne as the best team in the world.

Los Angeles Clippers – Health

Team Record: 42-25, 4th in Western Conference

Rankings: 11th PPG, 12th OPPG

The Clippers’ biggest vulnerability lies in their ability to stay healthy throughout the postseason, particularly with their star players. The trio of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden provides formidable firepower, but they have a history of injuries, especially during critical playoff moments. A single injury to any of these key players could significantly derail their title aspirations. Leonard, the star of the team, hasn’t played at least 65 games since the 2016-17 season although he will break that poor run of health this season as he has 61 games under his belt. Still, if Leonard goes out for any reason, the Clippers won’t achieve their goals. 

The same goes for Paul George, a player who hasn’t played at least 65 games once with the Clippers, and he will also break that poor streak this season with 61 games played. James Harden hasn’t been available either, playing 44 games in the 2020-21 campaign, 65 in 2021-22, and only 58 in 2022-23. If he isn’t healthy either, the Clippers have no shot to win the title. 

Another concern for the Clippers is their reputation as “notorious chokers,” particularly regarding playoff performances from stars like Harden and George. While they possess immense talent, their ability to deliver in high-pressure situations has been called into question in the past. Overcoming this mental barrier and proving themselves as clutch performers will be essential for the Clippers to make a deep playoff run and contend for the NBA title.

Additionally, the Clippers may face challenges in securing a top-three seed in the highly competitive Western Conference. With a record placing them fourth in the standings, they may have a tougher path in the playoffs, facing stronger opponents in the earlier rounds and potentially missing out on home-court advantage in crucial matchups. 

Milwaukee Bucks – Defense

Team Record: 44-24, 2nd in Eastern Conference

Rankings: 4th PPG, 21st OPPG

The Milwaukee Bucks’ struggles on the defensive end, ranking 21st in opponent points per game (117.1 PPG), pose a significant concern. Despite having superstar talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, a lack of defensive cohesion and discipline throughout the season can become a major liability in the playoffs. Teams often rely on defense to win championships, and the Bucks’ defensive shortcomings could hinder their ability to advance deep into the postseason.

The mid-season coaching change, with Doc Rivers taking over, adds another layer of uncertainty for the Bucks. Adjusting to a new coaching system and implementing new strategies midway through the season can be challenging, especially when aiming for a championship run. The team may need time to fully adapt to Rivers’ coaching style and philosophies, and critics have pointed to Rivers’ failures in the playoffs before as well.

Continuously struggling defensively throughout the season could lead to the Bucks developing bad habits that may be difficult to shake off in the playoffs. While offensive firepower from stars like Giannis and Lillard can mask defensive deficiencies during the regular season, playoff basketball often exposes weaknesses, especially against elite opponents. The Bucks rank 18th in defensive rating (116.2), give up the 10th-most points in the paint from opponents (51.6 PPG), and give up 13.7 second-chance points per game. These stats should be worrying for Bucks fans.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Health/Inexperience 

Team Record: 46-21, 3rd in Western Conference

Rankings: 19th PPG, 1st OPPG

The late-season meniscus injury to Karl-Anthony Towns is a major setback for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Towns is not only a star player but also a crucial component of their offense and defense. We still don’t know if Towns can return to full health in time for the playoffs.

While Anthony Edwards has emerged as a rising superstar for the Timberwolves, his relative inexperience could still be a factor in the playoffs because he only has two playoff appearances to his name with 11 games played. Despite his talent and potential, Edwards may still need time to fully develop and adjust to the intensity and pressure of postseason basketball. 

Karl-Anthony Towns only has three playoff appearances to his name, completing 16 games total. Rudy Gobert has experience, having six seasons in the playoffs with the Utah Jazz and 48 games played but will he provide enough leadership? Time will tell. Mike Conley has 78 playoff games under his belt, but he is over 36 years old and his impact has greatly waned. The Timberwolves will only go as far as Edwards takes them, but he needs time to gain experience. 

Not to mention, despite boasting the top-ranked defense in the league, the Timberwolves may struggle to score consistently, particularly in tight games. While defense wins championships, teams also need to be able to put points on the board to win playoff games. Minnesota also face tough competition in the Western Conference, particularly from teams like the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers, who are perceived as stronger contenders.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Inexperience

Team Record: 47-20, 1st in Western Conference

Rankings: 3rd PPG, 13th OPPG

While boasting an impressive record and offensive prowess, Oklahoma City’s roster is notably young and lacking in playoff experience. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team’s best player, only has two playoff appearances to his name with 13 games played. Relying on emerging talents like rookie Chet Holmgren to lead a championship charge in the intense environment of the playoffs presents a considerable risk. Gordon Hayward is the oldest player on the team, and he only has four playoff appearances to his name as well, so he isn’t exactly a life-changer in that sense.

Moreover, the Thunder’s developmental timeline suggests that they may still be a season or two away from becoming legitimate title contenders, as building a championship-caliber team requires time for young players to mature and establish chemistry. They might also need to make a trade for one more All-Star-caliber player. 

Despite the undeniable talent of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is regarded as one of the top players in the league, the Thunder may lack the necessary supporting cast to mount a successful playoff run. While they have shown promise, further development, and strategic roster moves may be required for the Thunder to evolve into genuine contenders in the future.

New York Knicks – Superstar Power

Team Record: 40-27, 4th in Eastern Conference

Rankings: 24th PPG, 2nd OPPG

As the New York Knicks gear up for the 2024 playoffs, several key weaknesses could potentially impede their championship aspirations. Despite a solid regular-season record and a formidable defense, concerns linger regarding the health of star player Julius Randle, who has grappled with injuries throughout the season.

While the acquisition of OG Anunoby and the emergence of Jalen Brunson as an All-NBA Team candidate bolstered their roster, there remains a sense that the Knicks may still lack one more impactful piece to truly contend for a title. A glaring issue lies in their 24th-ranked offense, which heavily relies on creators like Brunson and Randle to generate scoring opportunities.

Should either player falter or face defensive pressure in the playoffs, the Knicks could find themselves struggling to put points on the board against elite competition. Addressing these concerns and further enhancing their offensive capabilities will be imperative for the Knicks to mount a serious challenge in the postseason and vie for championship glory.

Miami Heat – Underdog Status

Team Record: 37-30, 7th in Eastern Conference

Rankings: 27th PPG, 5th OPPG

The Miami Heat, despite their storied playoff history and reputation for resilience which includes two Finals appearances in four seasons, face daunting challenges that could hinder their postseason ambitions. With a relatively modest regular-season record and ranking 7th in the Eastern Conference, the Heat find themselves in familiar territory as underdogs.

While their defensive prowess remains formidable, ranking 5th in opponent points per game, their 27th-ranked offense raises concerns about their ability to generate scoring opportunities consistently. The addition of Terry Rozier provides a boost, but there are doubts about whether it’s sufficient to propel the Heat through another grueling playoff run.

Moreover, the prospect of navigating through the play-in tournament adds an additional layer of uncertainty and potential exhaustion. Despite their resilience and playoff pedigree, the Heat may struggle to replicate their past successes and face an uphill battle to make another deep postseason run in 2024.

Phoenix Suns – Depth

Team Record: 39-29, 8th in Western Conference

Rankings: 12th PPG, 16th OPPG

Nobody is fully convinced about the Suns. Despite boasting star power with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns’ roster appears top-heavy, lacking significant depth and size. While they rank decently in both points per game and opponent points per game, their middle-of-the-pack performance on both ends of the court suggests vulnerabilities.

The reliance on a few key players to carry the team may leave the Suns vulnerable, especially against opponents with elite big men. With Jusuf Nurkic being their only reliable presence in the paint, the Suns may struggle to contain dominant frontcourt players. There isn’t sufficient backups to the Big Three, because Josh Okogie is more of a defensive mind, Eric Gordon is 35 years old and counting, and Royce O’Neale can’t create for himself. Only Grayson Allen can be trusted, but he might not be enough.

Having fallen short in the second round last year, the Suns may find themselves facing a similar fate unless they address their depth issues and find ways to compensate for their defensive shortcomings in the 2024 playoffs.

Los Angeles Lakers – LeBron’s Age

Team Record: 36-32, 10th in Western Conference

Rankings: 10th PPG, 23rd OPPG

Despite the presence of superstar talents in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have struggled to find consistent success, evident in their 10th-place ranking in points per game and 23rd-place in opponent points per game. At 39 years old, LeBron’s age raises concerns about his endurance and ability to maintain his high level of play throughout the demanding playoff schedule.

The Lakers’ lack of clarity regarding their third scoring option further compounds their challenges, with players like D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves displaying inconsistency in previous playoff outings. Moreover, questions surround head coach Darvin Ham’s ability to make effective in-game adjustments, which could prove crucial in playoff matchups.

The Lakers’ position in the play-in tournament reflects their struggles, particularly on the defensive end, indicating potential vulnerabilities against stronger opponents. As they navigate the playoffs, the Lakers must address these issues to have any hope of making a meaningful postseason run in 2024 similar to last year’s Western Conference Finals appearance.

Dallas Mavericks – Depth

Team Record: 39-29, 7th in Western Conference

Rankings: 6th PPG, 22nd OPPG

The Dallas Mavericks have major flaws despite their respectable regular-season record. Led by the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks boast an impressive offensive ranking, showcasing their scoring prowess. However, their 22nd ranking in opponent points per game highlights defensive deficiencies that could prove detrimental against stronger playoff opponents. While the addition of Daniel Gafford provides some improvement in the frontcourt, the Mavericks still require more consistent play from their big men to compete effectively.

Although Luka and Kyrie are capable of carrying the team, their success in the playoffs hinges on receiving adequate support from their teammates. The Mavericks possess the potential to surprise higher-seeded teams in the playoffs, but their reliance solely on their star players may not be sufficient to overcome the top contenders in the Western Conference. 

Only Tim Hardaway Jr. (15.7 PPG) can be a reliable perimeter player, because Josh Green, Derrick Jones Jr, Dante Exum, and Maxi Kleber are all role players who will go missing at times. Dallas need to find more help for their stars before MVP-caliber seasons by Doncic keep going to waste. 

Golden State Warriors – Team Record

Team Record: 35-31, 9th in Western Conference

Rankings: 7th PPG, 19th OPPG

No question, the Golden State Warriors find themselves facing uncertainties and challenges that test the resilience of their once-dominant dynasty. With a regular-season record placing them 9th in the competitive Western Conference, doubts loom regarding the future of key player Klay Thompson, whose injury history casts a shadow over his availability and impact.

While Stephen Curry remains a formidable force, his individual brilliance may not suffice to overcome the team’s obstacles, as he is no longer the unanimous MVP capable of single-handedly defying the odds. Despite their championship pedigree and lethal shooting prowess, reflected in their 7th ranking in points per game, the Warriors’ 19th ranking in opponent points per game underscores defensive vulnerabilities that could prove costly in the playoffs.

While their experience and ability to shoot the lights out make them a perennial threat, their placement in the play-in tournament serves as a sobering reminder of their current standing. In a league where parity reigns, the Warriors must draw upon their championship experience and collective resolve to navigate through the playoffs, understanding that their path to success may be more challenging than ever before.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Leadership

Team Record: 42-25, 3rd in Eastern Conference

Rankings: 18th PPG, 4th OPPG

Despite their solid regular-season record (3rd in East) and impressive defensive performance, ranking 4th in opponent points per game, the Cavaliers face lingering uncertainties about their ability to contend for a championship. While Donovan Mitchell leads the team and has shown flashes of brilliance, questions persist about whether he can carry the Cavaliers as the primary star on a championship-caliber squad.

Additionally, the Cavaliers’ core players, including Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, lack playoff experience, raising concerns about their readiness for the intensity of postseason basketball. Having been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year, the Cavaliers opted to retain the same roster, potentially limiting their ability to make significant strides in the postseason.

Realistically, the Cavaliers appear poised for a second-round exit, as they may struggle to overcome more experienced and formidable opponents in the later stages of the playoffs. While their current standing is commendable, the Cavaliers must address their concerns about star power and playoff readiness to elevate their championship aspirations in future seasons.

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