The NBA regular season is nearing the finish line, and it’s been way more competitive than most years.
That’s why ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith was ecstatic when he got the chance to list his top-5 teams in the league, maybe for the last time before the start of the playoffs:
.@stephenasmith's top five NBA teams ⬇️
1. Celtics
2. Bucks
3. Suns
4. 76ers
5. Nuggets pic.twitter.com/7ayu69FIWr— First Take (@FirstTake) April 4, 2023
At number five, the often-controversial pundit chose the Denver Nuggets, stating that they’re still the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference despite Nikola Jokic missing some time, plus the fact that the high altitude in Colorado will always be a factor to consider for visiting teams.
Then, Stephen A. leaned toward the Philadelphia 76ers at number four, predicting that Joel Embiid is going to win MVP and is playing on a whole different level and like a man on a mission, not to mention how he dominated Jokic in their latest matchup.
Smith later chose the Phoenix Suns at number three, citing Kevin Durant’s comeback and the fact that his teams are 23-2 in the last 25 games he’s played and that the Suns have yet to lose a single game whenever he’s been able to suit up for them.
The Milwaukee Bucks make the cut at number two, with Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating the league almost at will, Jrue Holiday having a career year, and Brook Lopez’s new-found defensive dominance, not to mention Bobby Portis’ never-ending source of energy.
And last but not least, Smith chose the Boston Celtics as the No. 1 team in the league, reminding everybody that they thrashed the Bucks on the road just last week and adding that they have everything to go the distance.
Truth be told, it would be hard to disagree with this list.
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