Yesterday, we went over three intriguing headlines to watch for as we hit the home stretch in the 2013-2014 season in the Eastern Conference. If you haven't read it yet, click here. Today, we will look at three things to look for in the Western Conference as the season winds down. The Western Conference has been very interesting as it usually is. We have seen the emergence of many teams, and we have seen some thrilling games played. The current playoff picture looks as if no matchup will be an easy one. Each team has played exceptionally well, and are looking to make some noise come playoff time. Out of the numerous headlines we can talk about, let us take a look at three of the most important ones at this point in the season:
1. Can San Antonio Ride Win Streak Into Postseason?
Well, Gregg Popovich is at it again. His Spurs are the only team that has clinched a playoff berth thus far in the West, and are currently riding an impressive fourteen-game win streak. The Spurs were one game away from being crowned NBA Champions last season, but instead headed home with nothing. This season, the team is back at it and looking to maintain relevance in the postseason. Gregg Popovich, who is arguably the best coach in the NBA right now, has done a remarkable job of resting his veterans and keeping them ready for the postseason. Can the Spurs make a run like last season? This year's Western Conference looks fiercer than last season's but nonetheless, Poppovich and the Spurs have seen them all, and beat them all. Can the Spurs ride this hot streak into the postseason and find themselves back in the NBA Finals?
2. Seeding (5th-8th)
The Western Conference is extremely close as it usually is every season. Phoenix who has shocked many teams this season holds the 8th seed in the West with a 42-29 record. That is pretty impressive considering that record would give them the 3rd seed in the East without any pressure. The Suns, are trying to starve off any competition as their quest to the playoffs continue. The difference between the 5th seed and the 8th is just a matter of three games. That means any team can make a push and seeding will more than likely come down to the final game of the season. The question is, who lands where?
3. Postseason Identity
Aside from a few teams in the West, a lot of these teams have a ton to prove as the postseason comes around. Many of these teams have not made the playoffs in quite sometime so a lack of experience could play a factor here moving forward.However, it is up to each of these teams to make a name for themselves. Who will they become in the postseason? Teams like Portland, Golden State, Houston, and Phoenix all have things to prove. It will be time for them to put aside their regular season success and gear up for a long journey. The postseason is a whole different atmosphere and each team is looking to bring their A-game to the court. It is all a matter of how you respond that makes you a threat come playoff time.
This NBA season has been an incredibly thrilling one, and we still have the playoffs to go. Do you have any other headlines you will be keeping an eye on as the season winds down? Drop a comment on the section below and let me know what you think!
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