We're a quarter of the way through NBA season 2019-20, and we're starting to see some tiers emerging at either end of the league.
10. Toronto Raptors (Down 1)
(16-8) Last week: 1-3
A tough stretch for the Raptors, with losses to fellow league heavyweights Miami, Houston, Philadelphia and the Clippers. These losses hurt, but are by no means a death knell to the Raps hope of a top 2 seed – they're only 1.5 games off Boston and Miami even after that run.
Kawhi Leonard returned to T-Dot to get his ring and his old club didn't play down the occasion, putting on a memorable thank you.
9. Houston Rockets (Up 1)
(16-8) Last week: 3-1
What is is about the Rockets and their ability to turn fringe wings into quality NBA basketballers?
Their latest reclamation project is former Kings washout Ben McLemore. The former lottery pick, compared to Ray Allen in some circles prior to his draft, has had an immensely disappointing NBA career so far. However in his past 5 games, he's pouring in 20.4 points and shooting 26 of 58 (44.8%) from deep in that span.
Funny how playing a well defined, narrow role (in this case, run really fast and hit deep 3's) can help a limited player find their niche. Playing next to James Harden wouldn't hurt, I suppose.
8. Denver Nuggets (Down 4)
(14-8) Last week: 1-3
The Nuggets are struggling. They've gone down in 5 of their past 6 games – the lone win against the Knicks in David Fizdale's last game - as it appears their offensive struggles have finally caught up with them.
The Nuggets strong defense surrenders a league best 101.7 points per game (per Basketball Reference). Coach Mike Malone deserves immense credit for getting a traditionally poor defensive club, with only one real defensive ace in the ageing Paul Millsap, to be as good as it is. Now, if only they could get the offense back to something approaching traditional Denver teams.
7. Dallas Mavericks (Steady)
(16-7) Last week: 1-1
Inexplicably, the Mavericks – winners of 10 from 11 prior – somehow lost at home to Sacramento this week. It should be no more than a gentle speed bump on the road to a playoff slot, but those sorts of lapses in collective concentration are something that notorious perfectionist Coach Rick Carlisle will want to drive out of his team.
The Wunderkid Luka Doncic continues to rake in accolades. His latest: 19 straight games with at least 20 points, 5 boards and 5 assists, eclipsing one Michael Jordan for the longest such streak post merger.
They play Detroit next up, but after that? Miami, Milwaukee, Boston, Philly and Toronto. Go 3-2 or better in that 5 game set and we'll know Dallas is for real.
6. Boston Celtics (Down 1)
(17-6) Last week: 2-1
Sometimes, being a professional athlete is about more that what you do on the playing field. Kudos to Marcus Smart on calling out the behaviour of a fan in Denver. This sort of stuff simply can't continue to happen. Sadly, this is still occurring in 2019, all over the world from the NBA to football in England, to cricket in India to Australian Rules football, to name but a few. Athletes are human and can take only so much. In an age where we have a much deeper understanding of racism, homophobia etc, let alone mental health issues, it saddens me that we still have to deal with morons like these.
5. Miami Heat (Up 3)
(18-6) Last week: 3-0
A strong period for the Heat, who followed up a tired loss to Boston with 3 straight wins, albeit against a soft schedule (Wiz, Bulls and Hawks). In the Atlanta game, we got to see the Heat's depth at it's best. Duncan Robinson (10 3's!), Kendrick Nunn and Bam Adebayo combined for an even 100 points. Adebayo (30/11/11) and Jimmy Butler (20/18/10) both produced triple doubles in that contest.
Tough match-ups with the Lakers and Mavericks await.
4. Philadelphia 76ers (Up 2)
(18-7) Last week: 3-1
The Sixers are a shock loss to the Wizards from an 8 game winning streak, including impressive performances against the Jazz, Pacers and Raptors.
Philly continue to dismantle teams at Wells Fargo Centre, where they're 13-0. The 5-7 road record is far less appealing, of course.
Did Ben Simmons hit a 3 this week? YES! And if Brett Brown is to be believed, there's much more to follow.
3. Los Angeles Clippers (Steady)
(19-7) Last week: 3-1
The Clips lost their Showdown clash with the Bucks – badly. Coach Doc Rivers said it best, "It was Giannis' birthday, and we searched all over the city to find a gift and we couldn't find one, so we gave him this one. That's all I can come up with because we were awful."
On the positive side of things: I Heart Lou and Trez 4 Eva. The Clippers are scoring 112.1 points per 100 possessions when the dynamite bench pair share the floor. Having a closing option like these two, before even looking at Kawhi Leonard and Paul George is just not fair.
2. Los Angeles Lakers (Steady)
(22-3) Last week: 3-0
Top end NBA teams take care of business at home – that's par for the course. Getting it done away from familiar surrounds is what separates the good from the great. It's no coincidence that the teams with the NBA's two best away records have the two best overall records; and more importantly the top two spots on our Power Rankings. The Lakers only road loss was on opening night against the Clippers, so effectively, they haven't lost 'away' from their home court all season.
1. Milwaukee Bucks (Steady)
(22-3) Last week: 4-0
Just the lazy 16 game winning streak for the Bucks, then.
The Bucks aren't just winning, they're hammering opponents. Their net rating of +12.7 is miles ahead of the competition. The gap to the 2nd placed Lakers is about the same as the gap from the Lakers to the 8th placed Heat.
The Bucks are running away with the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Giannis Antetokounmpo might just be running away with the MVP, as well.
