The season was left with just one month until its conclusion, and the patterns in both the East and the West had basically clarified.
This year, apart from the Warriors, Lakers, and Spurs, the strength of the other teams in the West was obviously declining.
This phenomenon wasn't accidental but a sequela of Nike's strategic arrangements.
The League has a limited number of superstars when you concentrate them in specific teams, it inevitably leads to a decline in competitiveness for other teams.
This was why many team owners had strongly opposed when the Heat formed The Big Three at their peak.
Just like there once was a time when East University had many who would help fallen elderly ladies, until Judge Wang struck his hammer, and everything changed.
Some things, although not against the rules, break certain underlying principles.
However, the situation in the East was the most intense it had been in years.
