The Western Conference has dominated the Eastern Conference for the most part of my life. Typically, the East is top heavy, while the Western Conference has about 3-4 teams competing for the 8th seed late into the season. The Jazz, Spurs, and Clippers are tied at 37 wins, seeded 6, 7, and 7 respectively. The 6th seed in the East has 32 wins. So how could the Eastern Conference possibly be stronger than the Western Conference? Let’s dissect.
Detroit Pistons- (32-31):
The Detroit Pistons are currently the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. Their record is quite misleading. The Pistons made a head coach change over the summer by acquiring Dwane Casey. Their pieces are not an ideal fit around their two big men just yet. However, as Casey lead offenses typically do, the Pistons have started to figure it out.
The Pistons have won three straight, and eight of their last ten games. The team is lead by all-star Blake Griffin. His competitive edge has been rubbing off on the rest of the roster.
“What have we done? We’ve had a good stretch and a lot of teams have had good stretches,”
Griffin said after beating the Toronto Raptors three days ago.
Griffin continued,
“Being sixth or seventh seed is absolutely nothing to be proud of. We tricked off two months of basketball”.
per The Detroit News’ Rob Beard
When healthy, Griffin is one of the best players in the NBA. They’re figuring things out at a good time. Could be a potential upset for whoever faces them in the playoffs.
Brooklyn Nets- (34-33):
The Brooklyn Nets are another team with a misleading record. Despite being plagued by injuries this year, they have had found ways to stay competitive as their young roster continues to grow. In today’s NBA, you need to have a pair of dynamic scoring guards to truly compete. The Brooklyn Nets have that, as D’Angelo Russell has emerged as a prime candidate for the Most Improved Player award.
Miami Heat- (30-34):
Never mind, the East sucks.
Other stories around the association:
Kemba Walker is still not a top ten point guard. I have no idea if Hassan Whiteside is still in the NBA or not. Andre Drummond still matches up well against most centers not named Embiid. Everybody eats as long as John Wall isn’t in the line up. The Spurs are playing defense again. Trae Young is not the rookie of the year. Dinwiddie with a dilly dilly 28 over the Cavaliers. Most of the 76ers roster knew what play Zach LaVine was running. Mike Scott, did not. Free Jah. Knicks upset the Suns in the battle of the tanks… by losing. Gordon Hayward is the best player on the Celtics. LeBron did what Jordan could never, score 32,311 points. Isaiah Thomas lights up the Lakers in his revenge game, with 4 points.
The Eastern Conference is stronger than people give it credit for. The biggest issue with it is under performing teams like the Hornets, Wizards, and Magic.
Care to debate? Tweet me @TPRx11