The NBA’s Eastern Conference has witnessed a significant power shift this season.
While the Boston Celtics dominated last year with the league’s best record and a championship title, a new force has emerged as the midseason approaches.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have stormed to the top of the conference, building an impressive 33-5 record that has turned heads across the league.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently made waves with his take on the Eastern Conference hierarchy.
During a segment on TNT, highlighted by “The Bullpen’s” Adam The Bull, Shaq boldly declared, “I think they (the Cavs) are the best team in the east.”
When challenged about the Celtics, O’Neal stood firm with a simple “yes.”
Shaq on TNT “I think they (the Cavs) are the best team in the east”
Others “better than Boston?”
Shaq “yes”
— Adam the Bull (@adamthebull) January 14, 2025
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ dominance isn’t just about their record.
They’ve established themselves as a complete team, ranking second in NBA offense while maintaining a top-10 defensive position.
Their starting lineup has found perfect harmony, with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Darius Garland creating a chemistry that’s led to remarkable success.
This cohesion culminated in a stunning 15-game win streak, helping them create early separation from their conference rivals.
The Boston Celtics aren’t exactly struggling – their 28-11 record and second-place standing in the East would be enviable for most teams.
However, they’ve already matched their conference loss total from the entire 2023-2024 season, raising some eyebrows around the league.
This slight decline, coupled with the Cavaliers’ surge, has prompted basketball minds like Shaq to reassess the conference’s power structure.
NEXT: NBA Announces TV Schedule Change For Cavs' Upcoming Hawks, Celtics Matchups
