How Eliminated NBA Teams Can Learn from the Conference Finalists

Once the NBA playoff picture narrows down to just four teams, the other 26 franchises might feel it`s time to shift focus elsewhere. After all, they`re out of the running for the current season`s championship, and the offseason calendar is packed with significant events like the draft, free agency, and personnel changes.

However, there`s still considerable value in closely observing the conference finals. The examples set by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers offer valuable insights. The NBA is known as a “copycat” league, and this final four presents a wealth of tactical approaches on the court and strategic principles for building a roster that are well worth emulating.

Here are seven specific takeaways the 26 teams who didn`t make it this far should consider from the conference finalists:

Lesson No. 1: How High-Octane Guards Can Minimize Turnovers

Teams that could benefit: Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz

Among the top 30 players ranked by assist rate this season, the Thunder`s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had the lowest turnover rate. The Pacers` Tyrese Haliburton was second, and the Knicks` Jalen Brunson was third. It`s likely no coincidence that all three point guards successfully guided their teams to the conference finals.

Players who commit few turnovers are often underrated because it`s hard to notice the mistakes they *don`t* make, errors a less careful ball-handler might commit. But turnovers are critically important because they represent a double penalty: your team loses a scoring opportunity and grants the opponent an easier chance to score. According to PBP Stats analysis, teams averaged 1.32 points off steals this season, compared to 1.15 points per possession overall.

Consider the first-round series between the Pistons and the Knicks. In a strong postseason debut, Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham averaged 8.7 assists over six games, slightly more than Brunson`s 8.2. However, Cunningham committed twice as many turnovers as Brunson, effectively costing his team three or four points per game. Given that the Knicks won their final three games in that series by a combined total of six points, the difference in point guard ball security arguably proved decisive.

Cunningham and the Hawks` Trae Young, who finished first and second in turnovers per game this season, would gain valuable lessons by watching Gilgeous-Alexander, Haliburton, and Brunson in the conference finals. They could observe how these guards attack defenses and create plays while avoiding costly giveaways. This film study would also be beneficial for other promising young point guards like Chicago`s Josh Giddey, Portland`s Scoot Henderson, and Utah`s Isaiah Collier, all of whom had turnover rates more than double Shai Gilgeous-Alexander`s this season.

Lesson No. 2: The Value of Reliable Rotational Depth

Teams that could benefit: Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks

It`s common knowledge that playoff rotations shrink as stars play heavier minutes. While the 76ers` Tyrese Maxey led the league with 37.7 minutes per game in the regular season, over 20 players are averaging more than that this postseason.

However, a major lesson from this postseason is the continued importance of depth. The Pacers have consistently played 11 different players for double-digit minutes in their playoff contests. The Thunder maintained a steady 10-man rotation until their Game 7 against the Nuggets, when they finally shortened it to eight. While the Timberwolves typically use an eight-player rotation, their three regular reserves are all contributors capable of starting: Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

Only the Knicks, whose rotation primarily consists of five high-minute starters plus Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride, have shallow depth among the conference finalists. This contrasts sharply with several deeper contenders that were eliminated earlier, most notably the Nuggets, whose less effective bench couldn`t match the Thunder`s production or compensate for injuries to Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr.

Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic noted this pattern after Denver`s Game 7 loss in Oklahoma City. “We definitely need [more depth],” Jokic stated. “It seems like the teams with longer rotations, a deeper bench, are the ones succeeding. Indiana. OKC. Minnesota.”

Beyond providing resilience against injuries, deep benches offer flexibility in lineups and strategic approaches, which is increasingly vital in today`s NBA. Oklahoma City can deploy big, small, or even super-small lineups because coach Mark Daigneault trusts enough players to make these combinations effective. Minnesota can finish games with the experienced hand of Mike Conley Jr., or they can bench the 37-year-old guard for quicker perimeter defense.

This isn`t to diminish the role of stars – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the likely MVP, and Anthony Edwards is averaging 39.9 minutes in the playoffs – but having options is also crucial. A significant number of teams that rely heavily on shallow star-driven rosters without sufficient supporting talent should observe this and focus on improving their depth this summer.

Lesson No. 3: Gauging the Openness of the Eastern Conference

Teams that could benefit: Cleveland Cavaliers, Bucks, Pistons, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Bulls (and most other East teams aiming to contend next year)

The situation surrounding Jayson Tatum`s Achilles surgery and the Boston Celtics` impending financial challenges has significantly altered the Eastern Conference landscape for both this season and the next. For the past four years, Boston largely dominated the conference, winning a title last season and reaching the Finals in 2022. However, the East appears wide open heading into next year.

The current conference finalists, the Pacers and Knicks, are projected to be among the top contenders again, potentially setting up a rematch in 2026. But if other aspiring Eastern teams watch these conference finals and conclude that Indiana and New York are beatable, it could strongly motivate them to adopt a “win-now” mentality this offseason and capitalize on the perceived power vacuum at the top of the conference.

For instance, might the Bucks opt to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo instead of trading him if the East looks winnable even with Damian Lillard`s torn left Achilles? Could the Cavaliers decide to stick with their core rather than make major changes after another disappointing postseason? Would the Magic finally commit significant assets around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner? Or might the Pistons try to build on a successful season with a major summer acquisition? Could the 76ers use their No. 3 draft pick to acquire veteran help and immediately jump back into playoff contention?

The level of activity and significant transactions this summer could heavily depend on how rival contenders assess Indiana and New York based on their performance in the Eastern Conference finals.

Lesson No. 4: How to Conceal an Offensive-Focused Guard on Defense

Teams that could benefit: Cavaliers, Heat, Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, 76ers, Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies

Staying in the East, a shared characteristic of the Pacers and Knicks is maintaining solid defenses despite featuring undersized point guards who are often targeted by opposing offenses. While Haliburton and Brunson aren`t known for being lockdown defenders, their teams have successfully assembled groups of wings – Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and Pascal Siakam for the Pacers; Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby for the Knicks – capable of handling the toughest defensive assignments and rotating effectively to support the weaker defensive players.

Mastering this strategy is essential in the playoffs, where teams increasingly seek out and exploit individual matchups over the course of a series. According to GeniusIQ tracking, guards have defended screens on 20 plays per 100 possessions in the playoffs, an increase from 15 per 100 in the regular season. This playoff surge is consistent with recent seasons.

Some guards struggle under this defensive pressure, which negatively impacts their team regardless of how many points they score. During the Cavaliers` first-round sweep of Miami, Darius Garland mentioned the team`s plan was to “pick on Tyler Herro … pick on their weak defenders.” Herro responded, “Somebody that doesn’t play defense shouldn’t be talking, either.”

It`s not surprising, then, that the Heat had the worst defensive rating of any team in the first round, and the Cavaliers had the worst defensive rating in the second round.

Many contending teams are built around dynamic guards like Herro and Garland. Some – like Atlanta, which has added Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher to support Young – are already attempting to replicate the Pacers-Knicks model of building a strong two-way supporting cast. Others in similar situations should study the Eastern Finals to see how the Knicks` and Pacers` defenses function cohesively behind Brunson and Haliburton.

Lesson No. 5: Why Fouling Isn`t Always Bad

Teams that could benefit: Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Bulls, Bucks, Lakers

Among the 16 playoff teams, the four conference finalists ranked 11th, 12th, 13th, and 15th in opponent free throw rate this postseason. The Thunder attempted exactly as many free throws as their opponents through two rounds, while the Timberwolves, Knicks, and Pacers allowed more free throws than they attempted.

Despite this disparity, these teams are still winning. One conclusion might be that committing too many fouls is detrimental, but committing *not enough* fouls is also problematic, likely indicating insufficient aggression – especially in the playoffs, where referees may be more inclined to let physical play continue. (The Thunder`s defense against Jokic serves as a prime example.)

Essentially, incurring a few extra fouls might simply be the necessary cost of playing tough, physical defense. This is a worthwhile exchange if it results in more possessions ending with contested shots or steals.

This season, teams like the Nuggets, Mavericks, Bulls, Bucks, and Lakers all had average or below-average defenses and were among the least foul-prone teams in the league. Perhaps they could learn from observing how the conference finalists defend aggressively – and don`t ease up even when a few whistles go against them.

Lesson No. 6: How to Disrupt the Thunder

Teams that could benefit: Any team aiming to win the West in the next half-decade

It`s hardly a bold prediction to suggest this won`t be the last time this young Thunder core reaches the conference finals. Oklahoma City already stands out as one of the most formidable teams in the West, despite having the youngest roster in the playoffs with an average age of just 24.6 years based on minutes played. Alex Caruso, who turned 31 in February, is the only player in their playoff rotation older than 26.

Considering the Thunder`s current talent, their vast collection of draft picks, and a manageable salary cap situation, it`s clear that Oklahoma City is poised to be the team to beat in the West for years to come.

Therefore, every other contender in the conference should meticulously study which strategies manage to trouble the favored Thunder – even if Oklahoma City ultimately advances. For example, the Nuggets` zone defense created significant issues for Oklahoma City in the second round, a tactic Minnesota will likely employ in the conference finals. The Timberwolves used zone defense on 52 possessions against the Thunder in the regular season (although Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle missed those games), three times more than they used it against any other opponent.

Perhaps Gobert`s rim protection will prove problematic for the Thunder; if so, teams like the Spurs (with Victor Wembanyama) and the LA Clippers (with Ivica Zubac) might feel encouraged that they could replicate this success in future postseason matchups. Or maybe the Thunder struggle to defend Julius Randle, who is physically larger than their quick perimeter defenders. If this is the case, teams such as the Lakers (with LeBron James) and Pelicans (with Zion Williamson) could envision their forwards finding success in potential future playoff series against Oklahoma City.

At this juncture, frankly, Oklahoma City is so talented that it`s difficult to identify any long-term vulnerabilities. But rival teams will need to search for clues wherever they can find them. A decade ago, Western Conference opponents searched in vain for a consistent way to defeat the Golden State Warriors, who reached five consecutive Finals. It might require a collective effort, starting now, to develop enough strategic ideas to prevent another dynasty from forming.

Lesson No. 7: Maximizing the Contribution of Non-Stars

Teams that could benefit: All 26 other teams!

The rosters of the conference finalists feature several highly-touted players. Anthony Edwards was a No. 1 overall pick, and Chet Holmgren was selected second. Jalen Brunson signed a nine-figure contract with the Knicks. Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns all joined their current teams through significant blockbuster trades.

Yet, many players in the conference finalists` rotations came from less prominent paths in the NBA. Consider Indiana, reaching the conference finals in consecutive years despite not having a top-5 draft pick since the 1980s. The Pacers successfully navigated a series of star trades, notably trading Paul George for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, and then trading Sabonis for Haliburton.

But they also found success through lower-profile acquisitions. Aaron Nesmith, the 14th pick in the 2020 draft, averaged just 4.2 points in 12.7 minutes per game over two years in Boston before breaking out after joining Indiana in the Malcolm Brogdon trade. And Obi Toppin, the 8th pick in 2020, struggled to find consistent playing time in New York (ironically, due to Julius Randle being ahead of him) but thrived after a trade to Indiana and is now a valuable reserve.

Out West, players like Naz Reid, Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, and Aaron Wiggins all began their NBA careers on two-way contracts. Isaiah Joe was waived before signing with the Thunder. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the 17th pick in 2019, had been traded three times within a year before becoming a crucial two-way contributor for the Timberwolves.

And over his first three NBA seasons, Isaiah Hartenstein averaged 4.1 points in limited minutes, being waived, traded, and not re-signed in free agency. He then found a more regular role with the Clippers, gained more spotlight in New York, and finally signed his first substantial contract with Oklahoma City last summer.

A common thread among these success stories is finding the right situation. While a select few stars might excel in any context, most NBA players` outcomes depend heavily on their team environment and assigned role. Rivals should note, for instance, how the Pacers utilize Obi Toppin, maximizing his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses, and how the Thunder have enabled their wings, who were previously seen as offensively limited, to contribute more than seemed possible.

These examples complement the lesson about depth: particularly in the current NBA salary cap landscape, it`s crucial to discover valuable players at lower costs, whether by helping former draft busts succeed in a second opportunity or by identifying and developing skilled players who haven`t yet found a consistent home.

This lesson is obvious for teams with star power looking to bolster their supporting casts, but it also serves as a reminder to non-contenders to wisely use their rebuilding periods.

The Pacers were not a playoff team when they acquired Nesmith and Toppin. The Lakers were struggling significantly in the pre-LeBron James era when they picked up Alex Caruso; he later helped them win a championship before moving on to Chicago and eventually Oklahoma City. The Thunder were at the lowest point of their rebuild when they added Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, and gave Luguentz Dort space to develop into a two-way player.

So, even though teams like the Wizards, Jazz, and Nets are likely years away from contending, they can still use these less successful seasons to develop the depth that – they hope – will support their future stars.

This ultimately highlights the main point: While only four teams are still competing in the 2024-25 NBA season, the other 26 franchises can gain valuable knowledge from their successes. There are takeaways for every team from the accomplishments of the final four.