The Atlantic Division Powerhouse: A Half-Decade of Dominance – The Same Four Teams Hold Unstoppable Playoff Spots Since the COVID Bubble Era
The NBA’s Atlantic Division has become a consistent powerhouse over the past half-decade, with four teams dominating the playoff race since the league’s return from the COVID-19 hiatus in 2020. The Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors have cemented their status as postseason staples, showing resilience and skill that have propelled them to the forefront of the Eastern Conference year after year. This article explores how these teams have maintained their playoff spots, their unique strengths, and the challenges they’ve faced in a constantly evolving league.
The Atlantic Division’s four powerhouses have proven themselves to be some of the NBA’s most reliable teams. Since the NBA’s return from its pandemic-induced bubble in 2020, the division has had a clear set of favorites for playoff contention. The Boston Celtics have emerged as perhaps the most consistent force in the league, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals multiple times and even making an NBA Finals appearance in 2022. Their combination of elite coaching, talented players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and a strong defensive identity has kept them firmly at the top of the standings.
The Brooklyn Nets, despite the loss of superstars like James Harden and Kyrie Irving, have remained competitive due to their foundational pieces and a roster built on depth. With key players like Mikal Bridges and the emergence of solid role players, they’ve managed to retain playoff spots, even if they haven’t been able to get back to the NBA Finals since their peak seasons in the early 2020s. Similarly, the Philadelphia 76ers have been a fixture in the playoffs, led by the dominant presence of Joel Embiid and the playmaking of James Harden (before his recent exit). Their playoff campaigns often end in heartbreak, but their consistent presence speaks to the talent within the squad.
The Toronto Raptors, under head coach Nick Nurse until 2021, have had a sustained competitive edge, driven by a core of players such as Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet. While the Raptors haven’t been quite as dominant as their division counterparts, their ability to make the playoffs year in and year out is a testament to their strategic playstyle and defensive-minded philosophy.
Several factors have contributed to the continued dominance of these four teams in the Atlantic Division. One key element is their ability to attract and retain talent. Teams like the Celtics and 76ers have leaned on star players, but they’ve also succeeded in building around these stars with effective role players. The Nets have made shrewd trades and acquisitions, capitalizing on opportunities to improve their roster while maintaining a competitive edge. The Raptors, too, have benefited from their well-coached and developmental system, always bringing in promising talent from international waters and their G-League system.
Another factor is stability in coaching. The Celtics, with Ime Udoka and later Joe Mazzulla, have fostered a strong, unified team culture that has remained consistent despite leadership changes. The 76ers have weathered various coaching changes but have continually brought in experienced leaders to navigate the team through the ups and downs of the season. The Nets’ ability to withstand the turbulence caused by player departures and still remain competitive is a nod to the coaching philosophy that emphasizes defense and versatility.
Furthermore, the defensive identity of many of these teams has played a significant role in their success. The Celtics, with one of the best defensive units in the league, set the tone for every game, while the Raptors’ defense-first mentality has always been a hallmark of their system. The 76ers have been able to capitalize on Embiid’s dominance on both ends of the floor, ensuring that they remain difficult to beat, especially in high-pressure moments.
However, even with their dominance, these teams have faced challenges and setbacks. The Celtics’ journey to an NBA Championship has been marred by near-misses, with tough losses in the Finals and Conference Finals proving frustrating. The Brooklyn Nets’ experiment with superstars fell apart, and while they’ve remained competitive, they’ve struggled to find the right formula for postseason success. Similarly, the 76ers have been perennially haunted by playoff failures, often falling short despite strong regular-season performances. The Raptors, while consistently reaching the playoffs, have faced difficulties in building a championship contender since their 2019 title, unable to reach the same heights despite the brilliance of Siakam.