The NBA season for 2022-23 has concluded. The NBA Finals featured the Denver Nuggets competing against the Miami Heat. The Nuggets emerged victorious in a 4-1 series win, securing their status as NBA Finals Champions.
What sets this postseason and the finals apart is the unique dynamic. Despite being the No. 1 seed from the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets faced off against the Miami Heat, who barely secured a playoff spot as the No. 8 seed. Guided by center Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets were close to achieving a triple-double average for the season, falling just 12 rebounds short.
The unexpected journey of the Miami Heat is a remarkable aspect. Their path was projected to end when they faced the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, and entered the playoffs as the underdogs. However, contrary to expectations, the Heat nearly swept the Bucks, triumphing with a 4-1 series score.
This season has been particularly enthralling due to the emergence of new finalist teams, a departure from the familiar presence of stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry.
Here, we will examine the leading three teams in the NBA for the 2022-23 season. Our evaluation is based on the combined number of victories and the total points scored, which will help us compile this ranking.
Milwaukee Bucks
- Number of victories in the 2022-2023 season: 58
- Total points scored in the 2022-2023 season: 117 points per game (PPG)
The Milwaukee Bucks asserted their dominance in the NBA regular season by securing an impressive 58 wins, the highest in the league. Despite this achievement, their postseason journey was cut short as they were eliminated in the initial round by the Miami Heat, who held the No. 8 seed. The Heat emerged victorious with a 4-1 series score, largely due to the outstanding performance of forward Jimmy Butler, who single-handedly dismantled the Bucks with an average of 37.6 points per game.
Regrettably, this early playoff exit led to the Bucks’ decision to part ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer, even after the team had clinched an NBA Finals victory in 2021. Giannis Antetokounmpo stood as a strong contender for the MVP title, displaying remarkable averages of 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Remarkably, the team showcased a balanced scoring distribution, with six players maintaining double-digit points per game averages.
Boston Celtics
- Number of victories in the 2022-2023 season: 57
- Total points scored in the 2022-2023 season: 116.8 points per game (PPG)
Amidst the coaching upheaval involving the dismissal of Ime Udoka and the appointment of Joe Mazzulla, the Boston Celtics emerged as strong contenders for the championship this season. Anchored by the dynamic duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the team was poised for success. Tatum, in particular, etched his name in Celtics history by becoming the first player to maintain an average exceeding 30 points per game. Brown contributed significantly with an average of 26.6 points per game.
Throughout the regular season, the Celtics secured 57 victories. Their journey in the NBA Finals was both dramatic and tumultuous. Initially trailing 3-0 in the series, they rallied back to even the score at 3-3. Unfortunately, in a decisive Game 7, the Celtics suffered a 103-84 defeat. Despite Tatum and Brown’s combined efforts amounting to just 33 points, they fell short. Brown’s field goal percentage stood at 34.8%, ultimately leading to the Celtics’ elimination.
Philadelphia 76ers
- Number of victories in the 2022-2023 season: 54
- Total points scored in the 2022-2023 season: 113.7 points per game (PPG)
Securing the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers showcased a wealth of talent. Notably, the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), center Joel Embiid, spearheaded the team’s efforts. Embiid’s impressive averages of 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game underscored his pivotal role.
Within their ranks, the team boasted a trio of players averaging 20 points or more per game. Alongside Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey contributed significantly to the scoring sheet. Their combined efforts fueled the team’s success.
Advancing to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, the 76ers encountered the Boston Celtics in a closely contested series. Ultimately, the series concluded with the 76ers falling short in a 4-3 defeat. As the off-season approaches, speculation arises regarding the future of James Harden with the team, prompting questions about whether he will remain with the 76ers or explore opportunities elsewhere.
