ESPN.com · Mar 4
How NBA's conference gap has shrunk this season, playoff impact
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A narrative has taken hold of the NBA this season: the injury-depleted and talent-poor Eastern Conference is a mess, while the West is thriving with great teams and excitement.
Indeed, the Western playoff picture is full of intriguing storylines, from the Oklahoma City Thunder's quest to repeat as champions, to Victor Wembanyama's rise for the ahead-of-schedule San Antonio Spurs, to veteran-laden contenders struggling for consistency in Denver, Minnesota, Houston and Los Angeles.
But with four strong teams, as well as a set of intriguing up-and-comers, the East has its own narrative hooks, contradicting the adage that the East is least, West is best.