Incredible stat showcases NBA's increased parity

On Sunday, the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated 2023-24 MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. It marks the fifth consecutive postseason where the defending champion failed to make the conference finals. No team has won back-to-back titles since the Golden State Warriors in 2018.

Following the 98-90 loss, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone admitted repeating as champions is becoming more difficult. 

"We knew it was hard, something I talked to our team about in training camp," Malone said, via CBS Sports' Colin Ward-Henninger. "With the rules being what they are now, I think it's going to become even harder, and harder to repeat as champions."

In 2023, the NBA introduced the second apron, which created harsher penalties for teams that exceeded the luxury tax ($165.29M). This included placing trade restrictions on teams, preventing them from re-signing players and adding free agents in the buyout market. 

The second apron possibly impacted the Nuggets' depth. This offseason, they let small forward Bruce Brown, a key role player, sign with the Indiana Pacers in free agency. He has since been traded to the Toronto Raptors.  

Will the rule change effectively end dynasties? Don't count on it. Teams may find ways to work around the second apron and win multiple championships. 

Regardless, fans should enjoy the increased parity while it lasts.

Ward-Henninger noted that the four teams in the conference finals (the Timberwolves, Mavericks, Pacers and Celtics) have finished .500 or below once in the past four regular seasons. Apparently, almost any team can come out of nowhere and hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy.