The final month of the NBA season has arrived, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Aaron Rose delves into the big players in the business end of the campaign.
Contenders are jockeying for position, with the Oklahoma City Thunder leading the charge as the new title favorites, powered by MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers are asserting their dominance on both ends of the court with a defense anchored by DPOY favourite Evan Mobley.
On the other side, the league’s bottom tier is locked in a fierce battle for the No. 1 pick. Washington, Utah, Charlotte, and New Orleans have been chasing Duke’s Cooper Flagg all season, while the Raptors, Nets, and 76ers have recently embraced the tank, intensifying the lottery race.
With teams pushing toward vastly different goals, the stretch run promises high drama, wild finishes, and plenty of chaos on both ends of the standings
Thunder Takeover: The Time is Now For OKC
Oklahoma City has officially taken control of the NBA. With the best Net Rating in the league, the Thunder have become clear favourites for the championship this season and it’s not hard to see why.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the charge, topping the scoring charts and firmly placing himself atop the MVP conversation. His unstoppable step-back and offensive arsenal keeps opponents guessing, but it’s the Thunder’s elite defense that’s truly setting them apart. With Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort providing relentless perimeter pressure and Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren holding down the paint, Oklahoma City has become by far the league’s best defensive team this season.
They look like a team on a mission. If the old saying holds true—that defense wins championships—the Thunder have all the ingredients needed to secure their first NBA title. Right now, it seems like it’s their championship to lose.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is Owning the MVP Race
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has firmly positioned himself atop the MVP race. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar has elevated his game to another level, leading the league in scoring while driving the best team in basketball. His methodical scoring makes him nearly impossible to contain—whether it’s attacking the rim, knocking down mid-range jumpers, or capitalizing at the free-throw line. He’s efficient, relentless, and the ultimate closer.
While Nikola Jokić continues to put up historic numbers, MVP isn’t just about stats, it’s about impact. Gilgeous-Alexander has been the most dominant force on the NBA’s top team, stepping up in the biggest moments and dictating games on both ends of the floor. He’s not just filling up the box score; he’s setting the tone for a championship-caliber squad.
With Oklahoma City sitting atop the standings and Shai’s brilliance reaching new heights, the MVP race is shifting. Jokić remains a worthy contender, but Shai has been the best player on the best team, thriving on both ends. If the Thunder keep this up, it’s hard to argue against him taking home the award.
Evan Mobley Is Suddenly Locking Down the Defensive Player of the Year Award
Evan Mobley has emerged as one of the NBA’s premier defensive forces and is now the clear frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year after Victor Wembanyama’s season ended prematurely. With the size of a center and the agility to lock down perimeter threats, Mobley is redefining what elite defense looks like. His presence is undeniable, anchoring a Cavaliers team that boasts a top-10 defense while holding the best record in the league.
Mobley is the centerpiece of Cleveland’s defense, suffocating opposing offenses at every level. His influence stretches beyond stats—opposing teams are forced to rethink their entire offensive approach when he’s on the floor. When he’s on the court, the Cavaliers transform into a defensive juggernaut. With Mobley as their anchor, Cleveland isn’t just a playoff team, they’ve become a legitimate championship threat.
The Cooper Flagg Sweepstakes: The NBA’s Race to the Bottom Is in Full Swing
The NBA’s race to the bottom has turned into an all-out sprint for Cooper Flagg. The Duke phenom is the clear-cut top prospect, a franchise cornerstone with the ability to alter a team’s trajectory for years to come. There’s no debate: whoever lands the No. 1 pick is securing the future of their organization.
At 6-foot-9 with elite two-way versatility, Flagg impacts the game on both ends. He’s a polished three-level scorer, a high-level playmaker, and already one of the most disruptive defenders in college basketball. His relentless competitive fire only amplifies his value. Staying at Duke for another year and passing up an NBA contract? Not happening. Washington, Utah, Charlotte, and New Orleans have been in the Flagg race all season, while the Raptors, Nets, and 76ers have recently joined the chase, doing whatever it takes to boost their lottery odds.
The tankathon is in full effect, with teams going to extreme lengths in their pursuit of the top pick. Whoever lands Flagg isn’t just drafting a star—they’re securing a player who can redefine their franchise’s future.