{"id":49411,"date":"2023-03-07T13:20:58","date_gmt":"2023-03-07T18:20:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=49411"},"modified":"2023-03-07T13:20:58","modified_gmt":"2023-03-07T18:20:58","slug":"five-real-contenders-for-the-nba-championship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/03\/07\/five-real-contenders-for-the-nba-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Real Contenders for the NBA Championship"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the season comes to an end, teams jockey for positioning in their chase for the NBA championship. Disappointment lies ahead for teams destined to be denied in the early rounds of the postseason. But which of these playoff-bound teams are truly title contenders?<\/span><\/p>\n

Five Real Contenders for the NBA Championship<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Favorites<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Boston Celtics<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Let\u2019s start in the east. Despite three straight heartbreaking losses to the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers, the Celtics are poised to return to the conference finals. They\u2019ve lost their lead in the standings but remain within striking distance with 16 games left. Jaylen Brown<\/strong><\/a> has been stellar despite playing through a facial injury that requires a mask. The All-Star forward averages career-highs in points, rebounds, and steals per game. He is also playing more minutes and has attempted more three-pointers and free throws per game than in any previous season.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Jaylen Brown tonight despite the loss:<\/p>\n

32 Points
\n13 Rebounds
\n9 Assists
\n1 Steal
\n12\/26 FG pic.twitter.com\/GS9Qdwmk4a<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 CelticsMuse (@CelticsMuse) March 7, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n