The regular season and postseason are two different animals, but the NBA’s final seeding games have shown that no team is unbeatable.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks have locked up the top conference spots for the playoffs, and with that benchmark comes the expectation to reserve energy for the postseason. But with a combined eight losses in the bubble between the teams as of Wednesday, specific weaknesses have been accentuated—and opponents have successfully exploited them.
Beyond inconsistencies shown from top teams, other competitors have risen to the occasion. The Toronto Raptors are one example, as their pace and efficiency have reaffirmed their standing as a Finals threat.