NBA Power Rankings: Week 2
We are into Week 2 of the NBA season and so far the trend is unless you are an East Team that resides in Massachusetts or Wisconsin, you have struggled out of the gates. What if people raced deer like they did horses? I think I would name my racing deer, Giannis. Anyway, eight out of the ten teams here are in the West and there are some surprises for sure.
10. (2-1) New Orleans Pelicans
Previously NR
Nola has started the season strong with wins over the Nets and Hornets before faltering against the Jazz. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are leading the way, and CJ almost led them all the way back in their OT loss to Utah. Worrying signs are coming in though, Brandon Ingram has a concussion and Zion Williamson has a hip contusion, tough week ahead as well with Mavericks, Suns, and Clippers ahead.
9. (1-1) Dallas Mavericks
Previously #8
The Mavericks looked like title contenders in the first halves of their games this past week, but they blew a 22 point lead to the Suns opening night. Luka vs DBook is a rivalry we are going to be seeing for a long time. Luka and Christian Wood have worked their pick and roll game to perfection so far. They play at home ten out of the next twelve, where they are a league best 26-8 since January 1st.
8. (3-0) Utah Jazz
Previously NR
If you had told me Utah would make any appearance in these rankings at the beginning of the year I would have scoffed and asked you if Karl Malone and John Stockton had unretired and gone back 25 years in time. But here we are, Utah is leading the way in three point shooting differential, outscoring their opponents on average by 25 points from behind the arc. They have Houston twice before the week gets tougher with matchups with the Nuggets and Grizzlies.
7. (3-0) Portland Trailblazers
Previously NR
Similar story as above with Utah, Portland was not a team I thought would ever make my top ten, but they have started the year 3-0. To be fair (I hope you read that in the Letterkenny voice), their point differential is 11 points in those wins and two of those wins are against the combined 0-6 Lakers and Kings. Damian Lillard is doing his thing again, but Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simmons are contributing key buckets and so far they have a top 5 defense. Nuggets, Heat, and Rockets this week.
6. (2-1) Los Angeles Clippers
Previously #6
The Clippers are off to a slow offensive start, Kawhi Leonard is sluggish coming off the bench and they are scoring under a point per possession to open their season. Some areas of concern, they rank 28th in turnover percentage and 27th in offensive rebounding. Look it will take some time for both Leonard and John Wall to get going, especially as it seems one or both will sit when the Clips play in back to backs. They get the lowly Thunder twice before a matchup with the Pels.
5. (2-1) Denver Nuggets
Previously #4
It’s early and similar to the Clippers the Nuggets are coming into the season with key players returning from major injuries. Denver got blown out by the Jazz to open the season, but followed up with a win over the Warriors. Did y’all know that Nikola Jokic is really good at basketball? The Nugs have two wins and in those two wins the Joker has two triple doubles. Two games against the league's worst offense this week (sigh, Lakers) can help get the Nuggets 23rd ranked defense back on track.
4. (2-1) Phoenix Suns
Previously #7
If it wasn’t for that 22 point comeback against Dallas, we could be talking a lot differently about the Suns to start the season. DeAndre Ayton has looked good after questions surrounded his and head coach Monty Williams relationship. So far Ayton shot well from the floor but has only taken a handful of free throws, the Suns will be looking for the big man to get to the charity stripe more often. Big matchup with the defending champs this week.
3. (2-1) Golden State Warriors
Previously #1
Ring ceremony night went well for the Champs as they blew out the Lakers to start their season. The starting lineup is incredible and is carrying the team to, but the young bench hasn’t been what Golden State was hoping for. The bench struggled against Denver and the starters couldn’t make up the difference while almost blowing a 20+ point lead to the Kings a couple nights later. Warriors and Suns this week will be an early season matchup to keep your eye on.
2. (2-0) Milwaukee Bucks
Previously #2
Finally the East has entered the chat. Giannis is incredible, but the offense has started a bit slowly without Khris Middleton. This Milwaukee defense can carry them while the offense is still working out the kinks. They held both Joel Embiid and James Harden in check, before Giannis broke out for 44 points in 28 minutes against Houston. Milwaukee gets a matchup with Brooklyn this week that should test both squads.
1. (3-0) Boston Celtics
Previously #3
Number one offense to start the season, the offensive efficiency is even better in this small sample size then it was to end the season last year. Regular names Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are doing their thing, while the C’s are third in 3-point percentage and first in field goal percentage overall. The defense and the ball security have been a bit of an issue to start the season but their clutch offense has overshadowed those early season miscues. A fun matchup with the Cavs is later this week.