• Only a few NBA teams really stand out

• All NBA teams are great because extreme talent is required to enter the league

The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded on June 6, 1946, in New York City. It is considered the best basketball league in the world. In it, there are tons of tremendous teams, but there are only a few teams that truly stand out. This year, heading into the playoffs, there are six teams to really pay attention to.

1. Houston Rockets

The Rockets have won two championships in their history; one in 1994 and another in 1995. This year they currently have the most wins in the Western Conference. The team was founded in 1967. On the team, we have head coach Mike D’Antoni, James Harden, Chris Paul and other outstanding players leading the team with stunning numbers. They’re currently rolling through the playoffs with outrageous 65 wins and they will play against the Utah Jazz in the second round.

2. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors were established in 1995, in Toronto, Ontario. The team is currently ranked 2nd in the entire league. They have five division titles (2007, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018). The Raptors struggled during the starting years of their team, but now they have a great record. On the team, they have four time NBA All-Star Kyle Lowry leading them into battle against the Cleveland Cavs during the second round.

3. Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are an outrageously good team with incredibly talented players. The Warriors have reached nine NBA Finals, winning five NBA championships in 1947, 1956, 1975, 2015 and 2017 which is breathtaking. 18 Hall of Famers have played for the Warriors, while four have coached the team. On the team, Stephen Curry has been named one of the most valuable players. The team is heading into the second round against the Pelicans.

4. Boston Celtics

The team has a total of 17 championships. Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Dave Cowens and Larry Bird have won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for an NBA record total of 10 MVP awards in the team. They have 55 wins currently in this season. The team beat the Milwaukee Bucks this year in the first round of the playoffs. Kyrie Irving is on the team leading them with outstanding numbers but unfortunately, he was recently injured so he can’t play in the tournament.

5. Philadelphia 76ers

The team has won three championships in total and they are ranked third in the Eastern Conference. Joel Embiid is one of the big players on the team currently. They have had a tremendous history with tons of incredible players in NBA history such as Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley, and Allen Iverson. Brett Brown is the head coach of the team. The 76ers are headed into the second round against the Celtics for what should be an exciting series.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers

The team was formed in 1970, in Ohio. It has developed into a team full of talented players who are fighting their way up to the top. On the team, we have the one and only LeBron James, who played all 82 games this season and is the youngest player to reach 31,000 career points. Throughout the 2016-2017 season, they have made 21 playoff appearances. This season the Cavs are are facing off against the Raptors, so they will have a tough series to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

All teams in NBA are great teams because you have to be extremely talented to be in the league. They have rankings because they play against each other to fight for the best of the best. Still, numbers don’t matter – it’s the attitude and passion to play ball that matters.