NBA Power Rankings: Week 3
Week 3 of the NBA Power Rankings, and the Dodgers won the World Series, yes I had to bring it up again. OKC is looking like they might go back to back as well, see it all comes together.
1 - Oklahoma City Thunder
Last: #1
The Thunder keep winning and Jalen Williams still has not played a game. SGA is still foul baiting like no one has seen before and the Earth still rotates the sun. Oh, and they are the best defensive team in the NBA.
2 - Denver Nuggets
Last: #2
Okay, I know the Nuggets record isn’t great at 4-2, but they are a top 5 team on both the defensive side and offensive side of the ball. But, they could have easily been undefeated as well. Jokic is awesome in case you didn’t know.
3 - Los Angeles Lakers
Last: #7
Luka is averaging 41.3 points a game, that will not hold up but that is insane. Jake LaRavia has been the steal of the offseason so far and the Lakers are playing well to start the season, tough match up with Wemby coming tonight when I write this.
4 - Houston Rockets
Last: NR
I had taken the Rockets out of my top 15 last week, they had started so slowly. They are back up to 4th. Look at the early season the teams fluctuate a lot. The Rockets are running with Amen Thompson as their point guard, he is doing okay, but I think the Rockets need a legit ball handler (that phrase always makes me giggle, I am an adult).
5 - Milwaukee Bucks
Last: #10
The Bucks had some impressive wins over the Knicks and Warriors with the matchup against the Warriors coming without Giannis. So far the Bucks look great in a season that could be a transition season for Milwaukee.
6 - Golden State Warriors
Last: #3
The ups and downs of an NBA season are incredible, after an impressive start the Warriors lose to the Giannis-less Bucks and the Pacers who were running out a G-League team. The Warriors are going to be good and this stretch will get forgotten.
7 - New York Knicks
Last: #6
I don’t know what is it about this team to start the season, but I don’t like it. They got depth over the offseason, and their 3 pointer percentage has gone through the roof. But a middle of the road defense is not good enough.
8 - Cleveland Cavaliers
Last: #5
This team is hurt, Garland and Max Strus have not come back yet. Jarrett Allen is going to miss some time and Donovan Mitchell sat out a game. They would rather get hurt now then come April, May and June.
9 - San Antonio Spurs
Last: #4
The Spurs are a good team, they are ranked 2nd overall on the defensive end, but being down by 31 at points to a Suns team that is not very good, is not great. Don’t forget De’Aaron Fox has not even played yet, and his inclusion to this rotation will be interesting.
10 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Last: #8
The Wolves played well without Ant to start, and with Mike Conley stepping in the offense has still been good. Julius Randle took over in Charlotte, but the defense in Minnesota has not been good and is a worry for the Wolves moving forward.
11 - Los Angeles Clippers
Last: #11
I am leaving the Clippers here for now, but honestly they have been awful to start the season, and almost lost to the Pelicans of all teams. They are 16th in offensive rating and 20th in defense so that is not great. Let’s see if they can turn it around.
12 - Detroit Pistons
Last: #9
The Pistons are 5-2 to start the season and after their opening night loss to the Bulls, the only team they have lost to is the Cavs. A great start on the defensive end, the Pistons are here to stay and I am so excited to see their growth.
13 - Chicago Bulls
Last: 13
Yes, the Bulls are 6-1 and atop the Eastern Conference, and started 5-0 for the first time since Jordan, Pippen, and company were doing their thing. The offense is off to a great start, but they get a rough test with 10 of 13 games on the road coming up.
14 - Portland Trail Blazers
Last: NR
After the distractions to start the season, the Trail Blazers really have kept up their defensive play from last year where they had a fantastic end to the season. I think the Blazers can fight for a play-in spot and maybe they won’t trade some of those Vet contracts.
15 - Philadelphia 76ers
Last: #12
It feels somewhat rude to push down the 76ers from 12th to 15th even though they are 2nd in the Eastern Conference as I write this, but last year's team really gives me PTSD. A handful of their wins have been comebacks which I do like and show a strong defensive mindset. Still some Joel drama of course.