The 2024-25 NBA regular season has come to an end, with an exhilarating 1,230 games played! As we gear up for the postseason, the playoff bracket is nearly complete, and fans are buzzing with excitement.

In our final Power Rankings of the season, we’ll break down each team’s performance and provide grades based on the last five weeks of action. While some teams cruised into the playoffs, others were left scrambling for a spot in the postseason. Who rose to the top, and who fell flat? Let's dive into the rankings!

Tier 1: Top Contenders

1. **Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14)** Last Week: W vs. LAL, W at PHO, W at UTA, W at NO *Offensive Rating: 119.2 (3rd), Defensive Rating: 106.6 (1st)* The Thunder finished with the best record in NBA history, outscoring their opponents by a staggering 1,055 points! With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, they averaged an impressive 13-point margin of victory.

2. **Boston Celtics (61-21)** Last Week: W at NY, L at ORL, W vs. CHA, W vs. CHA *Offensive Rating: 119.5 (2nd), Defensive Rating: 110.1 (4th)* The Celtics strong finish with 17 wins in 20 games has them poised to make a deep postseason run. Shoutout to Luke Kornet for stepping up with 3.4 offensive rebounds per game!

3. **Cleveland Cavaliers (64-18)** Last Week: W vs. CHI, L at IND, W at NY, L vs. IND *Offensive Rating: 121.0 (1st), Defensive Rating: 111.8 (8th)* Cleveland's solid season is backed by their strong young core. They look to challenge Boston for dominance in the East.

4. **Los Angeles Lakers (50-32)** Last Week: L at OKC, W at DAL, W vs. HOU, L at POR *Offensive Rating: 115.0 (11th), Defensive Rating: 113.8 (17th)* After a rollercoaster season, the Lakers are banking on their playoff experience to push them through, despite defensive concerns.

5. **Houston Rockets (52-30)** Last Week: L at LAC, L at LAL, L vs. DEN *Offensive Rating: 114.9 (12th), Defensive Rating: 110.3 (5th)* Remarkably rebounding from a 60-loss season, Houston is now a playoff contender, thanks to strong performances from All-Star Alperen Şengün.

Tier 2: In a Good Place

6. **LA Clippers (50-32)** Last Week: W vs. SA, W vs. HOU, W at SAC, W at GS A strong finish has the Clippers looking dangerous. With their best offensive performance in franchise history, all eyes are on Kawhi Leonard as he gears up for the playoffs.

7. **Indiana Pacers (50-32)** Solidifying home court advantage, the Pacers are ready to prove their doubters wrong in the playoffs.

8. **New York Knicks (51-31)** Despite finishing strong, skepticism surrounds New York after failing against top teams. It’s time to deliver when it matters most!

9. **Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33)** Amid mixed performances, they’ve earned a playoff spot but face tough competition.

10. **Milwaukee Bucks (48-34)** David Lillard’s health will be crucial as the Bucks look to capitalize on their late-season momentum.

Tier 3: The Bubble

11. **Denver Nuggets (50-32)** After a coaching shake-up, can the Nuggets find their rhythm? It’s a make-or-break moment for them.

12. **Detroit Pistons (44-38)** A remarkable turnaround, yet they’ll need to step it up defensively to advance.

A Struggle for the Bottom Tier

As we move down the ranks, teams like the **Charlotte Hornets** and **Utah Jazz** are finding themselves at the bottom of the list, facing the harsh reality of a long rebuild ahead.

With playoffs just around the corner, each team’s journey will provide thrilling narratives and surprising outcomes. Buckle up, because this postseason could be one for the ages!