Cleveland Cavaliers Lead Eastern Conference After NBA Season

The Cleveland Cavaliers celebrating after securing their top position in the Eastern Conference

News Summary

The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the NBA season with a remarkable 64-18 record, leading the Eastern Conference. While their offensive game ranked first in the league, their defensive vulnerabilities surfaced during the playoffs. The New York Knicks and other teams also made notable roster changes as they prepare for the upcoming season, adding depth and making strategic coaching changes. As the Eastern Conference teams face injuries and ongoing developments, the competition for next season promises to be intense.

Cleveland

The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as the leading team in the Eastern Conference following the 2024-25 NBA season, boasting an impressive record of 64-18. With a stellar offensive rating of 121.0, the Cavaliers ranked first in the league, while their defensive metrics marked them at eighth with a rating of 111.8. Furthermore, their net rating of +9.2 placed them third overall, demonstrating their strong performance on both ends of the floor.

Among notable roster changes for the Cavaliers during the offseason, they welcomed Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. to enhance their lineup. However, key players Ty Jerome and Isaac Okoro departed the team. Despite their impressive record, the Cavaliers will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly highlighted in their recent playoff performance against the Indiana Pacers, where they allowed an alarming 116.7 points per 100 possessions in the conference semifinals.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks finished the season with a commendable 51-31 record, supported by an offensive rating of 117.3 (fifth in the league) and a defensive rating of 113.3 (thirteenth). The Knicks fortified their roster by adding Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, making no significant losses. The transition from former head coach Tom Thibodeau to Mike Brown, known for promoting ball movement, is expected to positively impact their offensive strategies.

The Orlando Magic finished precisely at the .500 mark with a 41-41 record, characterized by their stringent defense, holding a rating of 109.1 (second in the league). However, they struggled offensively, ranking twenty-seventh with a rating of 108.9. The team saw the addition of Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones in the offseason, with notable losses including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony.

The Detroit Pistons reflected a notable improvement, finishing the season with a 44-38 record, led by young star Cade Cunningham. They further strengthened their lineup by acquiring Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson, while losing Dennis Schröder. In contrast, the Atlanta Hawks finished the season at 40-42, making roster upgrades by bringing in Kristaps Porziņģis but losing Clint Capela.

Additionally, the Milwaukee Bucks concluded the season with a 48-34 record after adding Myles Turner to their roster while moving on from Damian Lillard. However, the Indiana Pacers underwent significant roster changes, losing both Tyrese Haliburton (due to an Achilles injury) and Myles Turner, yet they managed to acquire new talents like Jay Huff.

The Boston Celtics, who were last season’s champions, faced challenges this season, finishing with a disappointing 37-45 record. This decline was attributed to the loss of star player Jayson Tatum for most of the upcoming season, as well as financial constraints leading to additional roster adjustments. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat aimed to revamp their offensive lineup by adding Norman Powell, while dealing with positional redundancy.

The Philadelphia 76ers struggled tremendously throughout the season, ending with a 24-58 record characterized by injuries to key players like Joel Embiid and George that hindered their overall performance. The Chicago Bulls are currently in a retooling phase, where they acquired Isaac Okoro while trading Lonzo Ball, showing promise in their young talent development.

Lastly, both the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards are facing rebuilding phases, implementing significant roster changes for future potential improvement. The Brooklyn Nets are also in a rebuilding stage, trading Cam Johnson and acquiring Michael Porter Jr. while concentrating on developing their rookie draft class.

In summary, the Eastern Conference is poised for an intriguing 2025-26 season, with uncertainties stemming from key injuries and shifting team dynamics, offering a wide-open landscape for competition among teams.