The San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks are fighting tooth and nail for the top spot in this week’s edition of the “NBA Power Rankings” here at TSJ but the Celtics are not far behind. The Miami Heat make a return to the top ten after destroying their previous four foes and I’d like you to welcome the Knicks to the party - it’s their first visit this year!
Speaking of the year, can you believe that the season is already one quarter complete? Neither can I.
If you haven’t yet check out my NBA first-quarter reviews below:
1. Ten looming questions I have going forward
2. My ridiculously premature award winners
Now on to our NBA Power Rankings twelve-pack, brought to you by former Utah Jazz legend John Stockton.
1. (1) San Antonio Spurs: 17-3 (Last week: 3-1)
If the Spurs hadn’t completely dominated the Hornets on Sunday I would have dropped them below Dallas but they have managed to keep this spot one more week. Tim Duncan played just eighteen minutes for San Antonio against New Orleans as his Spurs went ahead by 38 at one point. The Spurs have the Warriors, Hawks, and Bucks coming up so 18-4 looks like a good bet at this point next week. Oh, and Matt Bonner FINALLY turned the ball over - he has four turnovers in 289 minutes this season.
2. (3) Dallas Mavericks: 16-4 (Last week: 4-0)
We can stop thinking these Mavs are not for real, folks. Nine consecutive wins and counting for Nowitzki and team with the Jazz looming as their only true test next week. Speaking of Dirk, he is playing some of the most efficient basketball of his career so far, pouring in 24.9 points on excellent shooting from the floor (.553) and taking care of the ball as he usually does (2.3 TO per game).
3. (4) Boston Celtics: 16-4 (Last week: 4-0)
The Celtics are back in the top three after an undefeated week that concluded with them merely toying with the Nets on Sunday in a 100-75 victory. Kevin Garnett looks the best I have seen him in two years and is rebounding like a madman while Ray Allen continues to shoot lights out from anywhere and everywhere. Even Nate Robinson posted 21 points, 6 rebounds, and six assists this afternoon! Boston has the Nuggets, 76ers, and Bobcats coming up.
4. (5) Orlando Magic: 15-5 (Last week: 3-1)
Their only loss last week occurred when Dwight Howard sat out with a stomach virus and I won’t hold that against them. With Howard? Lopsided victories over the Pistons (twice) and Bulls with their victory over Chicago a 107-78 laugher. Here’s hoping Howard returns soon - the Magic face the Hawks, Blazers, and Jazz next week.
5. (6) Utah Jazz: 15-6 (Last week: 2-1)
Before their recent double-digit loss to the surging Mavs the Jazz had posted convincing victories over the Pacers and Bucks behind the absolutely brilliant play of Deron Williams. Williams recorded an unbelievable sixteen assists and ZERO turnovers against the Pacers and is having an MVP-caliber season for Utah. The Jazz have an extremely tough slate of games coming up next week: The Grizzlies, Heat, Magic, and Mavericks are on tap. Yikes.
6. (2) Los Angeles Lakers: 14-6 (Last week: 2-1)
If not for the Lakers crushing the Kings on Friday night 113-80 LeBron and company would have jumped right over them. Losses to the Grizzlies and Rockets didn’t help their cause but if their performance the other night is any indicator they could be back in business. Fairly easy slate of games coming up as they face the Nets, Wizards, Clippers, and Bulls.
7. (12) Miami Heat: 13-8 (Last week: 4-0)
Dwyane Wade and company reeled off four easy victories last week including LeBron’s return to Cleveland on Thursday night. They defeated each team by double-digits and their defense has certainly been kicked up a notch. The Jazz loom as their only true test next week - I’m very curious as to how they will perform against an elite-level squad.
8. (8) Oklahoma City Thunder: 14-7 (Last week: 3-1)
Thank goodness for Russell Westbrook because without him they most certainly would have lost that 3OT thriller against the Nets this past week. What a season that guy is having! Kevin Durant returned to the line-up for the Thunder on Sunday and scored 28 points in OKC’s win over the Warriors. The Bulls and Hornets will be their toughest tests next week.
9. (N/A) New York Knicks: 12-9 (Last week: 3-0)
I can no longer deny New York’s spot within these rankings. Stoudemire’s club has emerged victorious in nine out of their last ten and face the Raptors (twice), Wizards, and Timberwolves next week, so a 16-9 record won’t be out of the question. You are proving me wrong each and every day, Raymond Felton. Keep up the great work!
10. (10) Denver Nuggets: 13-6 (Last week: 4-0)
I’m still amazed at how George Karl’s group has maintained composure so far despite constant trade rumors on the horizon. Seven consecutive wins and counting for Carmelo Anthony and crew, including a shootout versus the Suns with Anthony sidelined by sickness. Big games against the Celtics and Knicks coming up.
11. (7) New Orleans Hornets: 13-7 (Last week: 1-3) What a brutal schedule Chris Paul and the Hornets were subjected to last week as they faced the Spurs, Thunder, and suddenly competitive Knicks. Their loss to the Spurs on Sunday was particularly gruesome but at least they receive a small break next week with games against the Pistons and 76ers with a dose of OKC in the middle.
12. (11) Atlanta Hawks: 13-8 (Last week: 3-1)
The Hawks have lost Joe Johnson to an elbow injury for the next four to six weeks so their stay on this list might be short-lived, although before being destroyed by the Heat on Saturday they had won two straight without their leading scorer. The Hawks had won five in a row before LeBron and company spoiled their fun but now is no time to rest with the Magic and Spurs coming up next week.
OH SO CLOSE!!!
Chicago Bulls - Those losses to the Celtics and Magic were pretty terrible, huh? Indiana Pacers - I wanted to add you up there so badly but two straight losses doomed you again. Phoenix Suns - Nash and the Suns have won three straight and are primed to re-enter the rankings.
See you on Wednesday with the MVP Roll Call…