We are currently in the final stages of the 2024 NBA Playoffs with the Eastern and Western Conference Finals set. The Celtics are taking on the Pacers, currently up 2-0 in the series following a dominant Game 2 victory on Thursday night. The Mavericks are up 1-0 against the Minnesota Timberwolves and we could be looking towards an exciting seven-game series. Every season, we have the Final Four named in every postseason over the last 10 years, from 2014-15 until 2023-24.
2014-15 NBA Playoffs
– Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets
In the East, the Atlanta Hawks surprised many with a 60-win season and the top seed in the East, while the Cleveland Cavaliers re-emerged as contenders with LeBron James’ return. They played each other in the Eastern Conference Finals but the Cavaliers won in four games.
Led by the sharpshooting core of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and the leadership of Draymond Green, the Warriors were dominant in the playoffs as they swept the Pelicans, defeated the Grizzlies in six games, and beat the Rockets in five games in the Western Conference Finals.
We were treated to an exciting Finals showdown with the Warriors and Cavaliers. However, injuries to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love meant James was forced to fend for himself in the Finals and had no chance. The Golden State Warriors, under the leadership of Stephen Curry and first-year head coach Steve Kerr, won their first NBA title in 40 years.
2015-16 NBA Playoffs
– Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Cleveland Cavaliers made history by overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals to win their first championship, thanks to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving’s heroics. But before that, the journey was not as hard because they swept the first two rounds and defeated the Toronto Raptors in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Raptors finished with the second seed in the East behind the Cavaliers, but could not take down The King and Kyrie Irving.
The Golden State Warriors set a regular-season record with 73 wins and were the favorites to win it all after coming back 3-1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Unfortunately for them, they could not win the title and this season marked the last time Durant would play with the Thunder as he would join the Warriors in free agency.
2016-17 NBA Playoffs
– Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs
In the 2016-17 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics, led by Isaiah Thomas, secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 53-29 record. Despite their strong season, they were outmatched by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Cavaliers, powered by the exceptional performances of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, swept the Celtics and made their third consecutive trip to the NBA Finals. This dominance showcased the Cavaliers’ strength and depth, as they aimed to defend their 2016 championship title.
In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors continued their remarkable run, finishing with a league-best 67-15 record. The Warriors, featuring the Splash Brothers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, along with newly acquired Kevin Durant, cruised through the playoffs. No doubt, the Durant acquisition made the team unbeatable as they swept the Trail Blazers and Jazz in the first two rounds.
They swept the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, a series marked by the injury of Spurs’ star Kawhi Leonard in Game 1, which significantly impacted San Antonio’s competitiveness. The Warriors’ dominance and the addition of Durant made them a formidable force, setting the stage for their third consecutive Finals appearance and a chance to reclaim the championship after their 2016 Finals loss which they accomplished.
2017-18 NBA Playoffs
– Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets
In 2017-18, the Boston Celtics, despite being plagued by injuries to key players like Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, made an impressive run under the leadership of young stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics, known for their gritty defense and depth, pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to a grueling seven-game series in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Cavaliers, driven by another stellar playoff performance from LeBron James, managed to overcome the Celtics in Game 7, securing their fourth consecutive Finals appearance.
James’ dominance, highlighted by multiple 40-point games, was a testament to his extraordinary ability to carry a team. In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors continued their reign of excellence, powered by their star-studded lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. The Warriors faced a formidable challenge in the Houston Rockets, who had the league’s best regular-season record at 65-17.
Led by MVP James Harden and the playmaking of Chris Paul, the Rockets pushed the Warriors to the brink in a highly competitive seven-game series. However, the Warriors’ championship pedigree and resilience, especially in Game 7, where they overcame a double-digit deficit, propelled them to their fourth consecutive Finals. The Rockets’ historic reliance on three-point shooting and the unfortunate hamstring injury to Chris Paul in Game 5 were pivotal moments in this intense series.
2018-19 NBA Playoffs
– Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers
In the 2018-19 NBA Playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors, and Portland Trail Blazers were the Final Four teams, each bringing compelling narratives and remarkable performances. The Milwaukee Bucks, led by MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, dominated the Eastern Conference with the league’s best record at 60-22. Their combination of strong defense and high-paced offense made them a formidable opponent. However, despite their impressive season, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Raptors, powered by Kawhi Leonard’s clutch performances, including his memorable buzzer-beater in Game 7 of the second round against the Philadelphia 76ers, showcased resilience and determination. Leonard’s leadership and consistent scoring were crucial as the Raptors overcame a 2-0 deficit to win the series in six games, earning their first-ever Finals appearance.
In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors continued their dominance, aiming for a third consecutive championship. Despite injuries to key players like Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins, the Warriors’ core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green proved too strong for their opponents. They swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. The Trail Blazers, led by the dynamic backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, had an inspiring playoff run, including a dramatic Game 7 victory over the Denver Nuggets in the second round. Despite their efforts, they were no match for the seasoned Warriors.
2019-20 NBA Playoffs
– Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets
Each team in the Final Four showcased resilience and exceptional talent in a season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The playoffs were held in the NBA “bubble” in Orlando, creating a unique environment with no home-court advantage. The Miami Heat, led by Jimmy Butler, displayed extraordinary teamwork and toughness. Butler’s leadership, along with the emergence of young stars like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, propelled the Heat to the Finals.
They defeated the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games, showcasing their defensive prowess and clutch performances. The Celtics, guided by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, had a strong playoff run but ultimately fell short against the Heat’s relentless effort and strategic execution.
In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, dominated their way to the Finals. The Lakers, motivated by the tragic passing of franchise legend Kobe Bryant earlier in the year, were determined to win the championship in his honor. They faced the Denver Nuggets in the Conference Finals, a team known for their resilience and comeback victories.
The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, had previously made history by overcoming 3-1 series deficits twice in the same playoffs, defeating the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers. Despite their remarkable journey, the Nuggets could not withstand the Lakers’ powerful combination of size, skill, and experience, losing the series in five games.
2020-21 NBA Playoffs
– Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers
In the 2020-21 NBA Playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers emerged as the Final Four teams, each demonstrating remarkable determination and skill in a season still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Milwaukee Bucks, led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, showcased their tenacity and defensive strength.
Giannis, alongside key contributors like Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, guided the Bucks to a hard-fought series victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Hawks, led by young star Trae Young, surprised many with their deep playoff run, highlighted by a series upset against the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers. Despite Young’s exceptional performances, the Bucks’ experience and depth proved decisive, especially after Young was hampered by injury.
In the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns, led by the veteran leadership of Chris Paul and the scoring prowess of Devin Booker, made a remarkable journey to the Finals. This was the Suns’ first Finals appearance since 1993, reflecting their resurgence as a powerhouse in the West. They overcame the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Finals, a series where Paul’s leadership and Deandre Ayton’s emergence as a dominant center were critical. The Clippers, despite missing star player Kawhi Leonard due to injury, showcased resilience and depth, with standout performances from Paul George.
2021-22 NBA Playoffs
– Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks
The Miami Heat emerged as a formidable force in the Eastern Conference, led by their star duo of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Known for their tenacious defense and efficient offense, the Heat’s playoff run showcased their ability to grind out tough wins. Coach Erik Spoelstra’s experience and strategic acumen played a pivotal role in their success, as they overcame tough opponents (Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers) on their way to the Final Four as the first seed in the East.
The Boston Celtics, under the guidance of coach Ime Udoka, demonstrated their resurgence with a dynamic roster led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Their playoff journey highlighted their depth and versatility, with standout performances from emerging players like Marcus Smart. The Celtics’ return to the Final Four underscored their ability to compete at a high level in the postseason, and they made it to the Finals after defeating the Heat in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals.
In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors continued to be a dominant force behind the exceptional leadership of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Under coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors’ playoff run showcased their trademark combination of sharpshooting and tough defense. Despite facing significant challenges, their experience and championship pedigree helped them reach the Final Four once again.
The Dallas Mavericks, led by superstar Luka Doncic and coach Jason Kidd, emerged as a formidable threat in the West. Doncic’s stellar performances, coupled with strong contributions from Jalen Brunson, powered the Mavericks through a competitive postseason but fell to the Warriors in five games after defeating the heavily favored Phoenix Suns in seven games the round prior.
2022-23 NBA Playoffs
– Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers
The Boston Celtics, led by the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, showcased their resilience and skill throughout the playoffs under coach Ime Udoka. Known for their strong defense and clutch performances, the Celtics overcame tough challenges to reach the Final Four but they could not overcome a 0-3 deficit against the Miami Heat despite pushing their luck to Game 7.
The Miami Heat, under the guidance of coach Erik Spoelstra, continued their strong postseason performances with a balanced attack led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Their depth and experience, including contributions from Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry, were key factors in their success. The Heat’s return to the Finals underscored their consistency and competitiveness in the playoffs because they would make their second appearance in four years.
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets, led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic and coach Michael Malone, emerged as a formidable team throughout the playoffs. Jokic’s exceptional playmaking and scoring, supported by Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., propelled the Nuggets to the Final Four as they made their first Finals. The Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves and Suns in the first two rounds before taking out the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge, demonstrated their championship pedigree under coach Darvin Ham. Despite facing challenges throughout the season including being a play-in team, the Lakers’ playoff experience and star power shone through in crucial moments. They defeated the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors in six games each but were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
2023-24 NBA Playoffs
– Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks
As we sit in the final rounds of the 2023-24 NBA playoffs, we are faced with a situation where one superstar player will earn his first title: Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, or Luka Doncic. In the East, the Celtics have hardly been tested in the playoffs as they have only lost two games in the first two rounds and sit 2-0 against the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was assumed at the start of the year the Celtics would make the Finals after acquiring Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
The Pacers had the best offense in the NBA in the regular season as they defeated the Bucks in six games in the first round and survived the Knicks in seven games. They benefited from injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Julius Randle but they still got the job done although they sit 0-2 against the Celtics. The Timberwolves have been the dominant team in the playoffs for the West, defeating the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets in seven games as they look towards Game 2 against the Mavericks.
The Mavericks have been surprisingly tough to beat in the playoffs, defeating the Clippers in six games in the first round and the number one-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in six games in the second round. If Dallas can find a way to take out the Timberwolves, they will have one of the toughest playoff runs in recent memory.
Credit for idea: r/NBATalk
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