The NBA Playoffs are finally here. For some teams, they are just excited to be there to gain experience for future playoff runs. For other teams, it is a championship or bust mindset. Some of the teams in the playoffs could have very shaky off-seasons if they do not deliver when it matters most. Let’s take a look at teams who have the most on the line going into the playoffs.
Toronto Raptors: Once again, the Toronto Raptors had a very successful regular season. They finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference with a 56-26 record. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are one of the best backcourts in the league and have led the way all season for the Raptors. But the past two season, the team has had sensational regular seasons but very poor playoff performances. They were swept by the Washington Wizards last season. The Raptors simply can’t afford another first round exit. They should have their way the majority of the time against the Indiana Pacers. If they suffer another first round exit, there might have to be some changes in the offseason.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Everyone knows how important these playoffs are for the Oklahoma City Thunder. This upcoming offseason, Kevin Durant is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The Thunder have a chance this postseason to show Durant that he should stay with the team. It has been said that if the Thunder do not reach the NBA Finals, it is almost certain that he will leave. The bench has been inconsistent all season long, and they really need to step it up. We’ve seen time and time again that the Thunder can’t win with just Durant and Russell Westbrook running the show. It is do or time for the Thunder to keep one half of their superstar duo.
Golden State Warriors: Well, they did it. The Golden State Warriors beat the ’96 Bulls record and got to 73-9. Stephen Curry had one of the greatest regular seasons ever and is headed to his second MVP in a row. Now, the pressure to win the title gets even bigger. The record will almost mean nothing if they don’t win the championship. Towards the end of the regular season, the Warriors didn’t really seem to have the swagger they had all season. They seemed tired and bored. Could the pursuit of 73 wins take a toll on them come playoff time? Obviously, the Warriors are still the overwhelming favorites to win it all. If they want to be considered one of the greatest teams of all time, they need to deliver and get the job done.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Any team LeBron James is on is always going to have a championship or bust mentality. James has a 2-4 record in the NBA Finals and really can’t afford another loss. He stepped up his game the last 10 games of the regular season and is ready to bring a championship to Cleveland. The pressure now falls on Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. They need to step up big time to take the load off of James. If this team can stay healthy throughout the playoffs, there are no excuses. Questions regarding their chemistry have been asked all season long, and they can finally stop those questions with a championship. The Cavaliers are the predominant favorites to reach the NBA Finals again. Unless a major injury happens, they should have a fairly easy time getting back to the Finals. And yes, James is a free agent going into the off-season. The Cavaliers organization has some fear that he would leave the team again. If the team can step it up and win it all, he’s not going anywhere.
Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers finally got Blake Griffin back and have slowly integrated him back into the lineup. Yes, the Clippers are a much better team when Griffin is playing. Like the Thunder, the Clippers need their bench to step up big time in the postseason. And of course, Chris Paul has still not reached a Conference Finals. That is the biggest thing holding him back from a legacy standpoint. There are no excuses for this team anymore. Doc Rivers has said that if the team fails to reach the Conference Finals, changes to the roster might have to be made. It is very possible that Paul could want out if they don’t have a successful playoff run. This team can compete with the other best in the West. They just have to prove it now.
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 09: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket against the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the 2015 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 9, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Cem Ozdel/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
