After putting together my top 5 Eastern Conference teams, it’s time we head out to the west. In the East, there’s about 4 teams that could legitimately win a championship. When it comes to the Western Conference, they are very top heavy. Before the trade deadline, there were many moves made to make the Western Conference stronger. The Denver Nuggets sit atop of the conference at the All-Star break. Nikola Jokic is enjoying another great season and could be on the verge of his 3rd consecutive MVP. Memphis, Sacramento, the L.A. Clippers, and Phoenix Suns round out the top 5. Who will be the top 5 at the end of the season? Can anyone catch the Nuggets? Let’s check out my top 5 teams from the Western Conference.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have been near or atop of the Western Conference throughout the season. Nikola Jokic is averaging a triple-double and he could win his 3rd consecutive MVP trophy. If so, he would be the first to do so since Larry Bird. Reggie Jackson is a great addition to the team. Jackson signed after he accepted a buyout after being traded. They also added size by acquiring Thomas Bryant from the Lakers. Bryant has had some good moments for the Lakers and he’s a decent rim protector. Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. will be key for the Nuggets playoff success.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis came into this season as one of the favorites to come out of the west. Many believe they would have beaten the Warriors last year in the playoffs. Morant got hurt and the rest is history. Memphis has faced their fair share of injuries throughout the season. Ja has missed almost 10 games. Bane has missed over 20 and Jaren Jackson Jr. has missed almost 20 games also. This Grizzlies squad could easily go on a run and catch the Nuggets. Memphis is a team that could win on the road in the playoffs.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns made arguably the biggest splash before the trade deadline. Phoenix traded for one of the best players in the league in Kevin Durant. The Suns gave up a plethora of draft picks along with Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Jae Crowder. Phoenix is currently in the 5th spot with a little over 20 games remaining. Devin Booker has missed almost half the season. If Booker is healthy come playoff time, this team could be scary. How will Chris Paul and Kevin Durant hold up when May and June come. Don’t be surprise this Suns team in the Western Conference Finals.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers is the team in the west that you just don’t know about. They could get eliminated in the first round or they could make a championship run. The injury history of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are always factors. They added Eric Gordon in a trade a couple weeks ago. They also added an inside presence in Mason Plumlee. After being traded to Utah, Russell Westbrook accepted a buyout and will sign with the Clippers. Los Angeles has all the pieces and depth to make a significant run in the playoffs.
Dallas Mavericks
This was the toughest one for me to pick. They are currently in the 6th spot in the Western Conference. They went into the All-Star break on a 3-game losing streak. Dallas made the big trade to bring Kyrie Irving over from Brooklyn. The Mavericks made a surprising run to the Western Conference Finals a year ago. They added depth to the backcourt by signing Justin Holiday for the remainder of the season. Once Kyrie and Luka get used to play with one another, we could see another great playoff run by the Mavs.
My Top 5 Western Conference Teams
- Denver Nuggets
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Phoenix Suns
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Dallas Mavericks
What do you think about my top 5 teams from the Western Conference? What about the order they’re in? Could Golden State, New Orleans or the Lakers knock off one of them teams? Cn Sacramento continue their great season into the playoffs. Leave some feedback below about anything regarding the Western Conference?
