Deep Analysis of the NBA Conference Finals: Lessons for the Rest of the League
While the excitement of the NBA playoffs focuses on the four finalist teams, the other 26 franchises have the opportunity to analyze and learn. Although they cannot compete for the 2024-25 season title, observing the conference finals offers valuable lessons in both game tactics and long-term roster building.
Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers provide strategic examples that can be replicated. In the NBA, imitation is a form of strategy, and these four teams offer a wealth of tactics worthy of study.
Seven Key Lessons from the Finalists
Here are seven key areas where teams that didn’t make the final can gain valuable insights:
1. Ball Control and Efficiency in Guards
Teams that could benefit: Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz.
The ability to avoid turnovers is crucial. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers), and Jalen Brunson (Knicks) led their teams to the conference finals, demonstrating the importance of a secure game with the ball. Turnovers represent a double disadvantage: they waste scoring opportunities and facilitate points for the opponent. Cade Cunningham (Pistons) and Trae Young (Hawks) could learn from the ball handling of these guards.
2. Template Depth: The Key to Success
Teams that could benefit: Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks.
The depth of the roster is essential in the playoffs. The Pacers, for example, often rotate 11 players, while the Thunder maintained a consistent rotation of 10 players until Game 7 against the Nuggets. Having reliable players on the bench offers tactical flexibility and helps mitigate injuries.
MVP Nikola Jokic, after the Nuggets’ defeat, emphasized the need for greater depth in the team. Teams with longer rotations and a solid bench usually succeed. The ability to adapt to different game situations is vital.
3. The East: An Open Conference?
Teams that could benefit: Cleveland Cavaliers, Bucks, Pistons, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Bulls and any team from the East with aspirations.
Jayson Tatum’s injury and the Boston Celtics’ financial situation have transformed the Eastern landscape. The current conference finals could be an indication of what’s to come, with the Pacers and Knicks as potential contenders in the future. Other Eastern teams could seize this opportunity to adopt a “win now” mentality.
4. How to Protect an Offensive Guard in Defense
Teams that could benefit: Cavaliers, Heat, Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, 76ers, Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies.
Both the Pacers and the Knicks have solid defenses despite having guards who can be targeted on offense. The key is to have forwards capable of taking on the most difficult defensive tasks and rotating to support the weaker players. Mastering this tactic is crucial in the playoffs, where individual matchups are more frequent.
5. The Importance of Mistakes
Teams that could benefit: Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Bulls, Bucks, Lakers.
Conference finalists are not the teams that commit the most fouls, suggesting that an excess of fouls is detrimental, but not committing enough is also detrimental. This could indicate a lack of aggressiveness, especially in the playoffs, where referees may be less likely to call fouls. Fouls can be the price to pay for a physical and effective defense, generating contested possessions and steals.
6. How to Neutralize the Thunder
Teams that could benefit: Any team that aspires to win the West in the coming years.
Oklahoma City Thunder, with their young and talented team, is shaping up to be the team to beat in the West for many years. Rivals must analyze the strategies that have proven effective against them. The Nuggets’ zone defense, for example, presented problems for the Thunder. Teams like the Spurs and Clippers could find inspiration in these matchups.
7. Maximizing the Performance of Non-Star Players
Teams that could benefit: All remaining teams!
The finalists have succeeded thanks to strategic acquisitions and the development of players who were not considered stars. Indiana, for example, has built its success without having high draft picks. They have known how to take advantage of players like Nesmith and Toppin. The Thunder has boosted players like Dort and Wiggins. The key is to find players with potential and give them the right environment to develop.
The lesson for all teams is clear: it is fundamental to find “diamonds in the rough” at a low cost, whether by recovering players who did not meet expectations or developing talent that has not yet found its place. Rebuilding teams can use this time to develop the depth that, hopefully, will support their future stars.
Although only four teams are currently competing in the 2024-25 NBA season, the other 26 franchises can learn from their examples. There is something valuable for each team in the success of the finalists.
