08:35
Faizan
We’re less than a week into the 2015-16 NBA season, but the Golden State Warriors still are looking like the team to beat. The reigning NBA champions are picking up right where they left off, surging to a 3-0 start while averaging 119 points per game. But they’re not the only team that’s making noise this season. The Oklahoma City Thunder look rejuvenated with both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the floor, while the surprising Detroit Pistons have yet to lose a game. Most teams have played just three games, so it’s way too early to make any meaningful predictions. But we’re going to do just that. Here are our NBA Power Rankings through Week 1 of the new season:
Good
1. Golden State Warriors (3-0) Reigning MVP Stephen Curry is averaging 39.3 points per game, and the Warriors are firing on all cylinders. This one’s easy.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers (2-1) The Cavs dropped a close one to the Chicago Bulls on opening night but responded by obliterating the Memphis Grizzlies and downing LeBron James’ old friends, the Miami Heat.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0) The Thunder are averaging 122.7 points per game through three contests. Is that good?
4. Los Angeles Clippers (3-0) The Clippers have won 17 of their last 18 regular season games dating to March. Circle your calendars for this Wednesday, when L.A. takes on the team that handed them that one loss: The Warriors.
5. San Antonio Spurs (2-1) Newcomer LaMarcus Aldridge has started to hit his stride, putting up 24 points and 14 rebounds in Sunday’s win over the Boston Celtics.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (2-1) Memphis has looked solid aside from its complete clunker against the Cavs. The Grizzlies should be right in the thick of things in a competitive Western Conference.
7. Chicago Bulls (3-1) Derrick Rose is on the court, which means the Bulls are good. An opening night win over Cleveland should inspire confidence in the Windy City.
8. Detroit Pistons (3-0) Double-double machine Andre Drummond, point guard Reggie Jackson and newcomer Marcus Morris have injected a turbo shot into the Pistons’ rebuilding process.
9. Atlanta Hawks (3-1) Those new alternate uniforms are hideous, but they haven’t stopped Atlanta from enjoying another strong start this season.
10. Toronto Raptors (3-0) Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have a new sidekick in DeMarre Carroll, and they’re getting along just fine so far.
11. Miami Heat (2-1) The Heat trailed the Houston Rockets by 21 points in the first half Sunday and ended up winning by 20. That’s a good sign for any team. 12. Washington Wizards (2-1) The John Wall and Bradley Beal Show has enjoyed a successful opening act. The duo has combined to score 47.3 of Washington’s 105.3 points per game.
Good
1. Golden State Warriors (3-0) Reigning MVP Stephen Curry is averaging 39.3 points per game, and the Warriors are firing on all cylinders. This one’s easy.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers (2-1) The Cavs dropped a close one to the Chicago Bulls on opening night but responded by obliterating the Memphis Grizzlies and downing LeBron James’ old friends, the Miami Heat.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0) The Thunder are averaging 122.7 points per game through three contests. Is that good?
4. Los Angeles Clippers (3-0) The Clippers have won 17 of their last 18 regular season games dating to March. Circle your calendars for this Wednesday, when L.A. takes on the team that handed them that one loss: The Warriors.
5. San Antonio Spurs (2-1) Newcomer LaMarcus Aldridge has started to hit his stride, putting up 24 points and 14 rebounds in Sunday’s win over the Boston Celtics.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (2-1) Memphis has looked solid aside from its complete clunker against the Cavs. The Grizzlies should be right in the thick of things in a competitive Western Conference.
7. Chicago Bulls (3-1) Derrick Rose is on the court, which means the Bulls are good. An opening night win over Cleveland should inspire confidence in the Windy City.
8. Detroit Pistons (3-0) Double-double machine Andre Drummond, point guard Reggie Jackson and newcomer Marcus Morris have injected a turbo shot into the Pistons’ rebuilding process.
9. Atlanta Hawks (3-1) Those new alternate uniforms are hideous, but they haven’t stopped Atlanta from enjoying another strong start this season.
10. Toronto Raptors (3-0) Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have a new sidekick in DeMarre Carroll, and they’re getting along just fine so far.
11. Miami Heat (2-1) The Heat trailed the Houston Rockets by 21 points in the first half Sunday and ended up winning by 20. That’s a good sign for any team. 12. Washington Wizards (2-1) The John Wall and Bradley Beal Show has enjoyed a successful opening act. The duo has combined to score 47.3 of Washington’s 105.3 points per game.
Posted in: NBA
