When LeBron James departed for the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, many thought the Eastern Conference would take a step back. The opposite occurred. The top of the conference was as strong as ever, boasting four legitimate contenders in Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Boston and Toronto.
The Raptors now lead 3-1 in the NBA Finals against an injured-but-talented Golden State Warriors team. It took a miracle seven-game win over the Philadelphia 76ers and a six-game victory over Milwaukee to reach this point. The top of the East was an absolute bloodbath.
Moving forward, it could get significantly tougher for the Sixers — and the entire conference.