Power Rankings 4.0

By Britton Barthold
*() Indicates previous ranking*

1. (1) Suns [5-0]

The Suns remain the lone undefeated team in the league, as they technically ¨beat¨ a Celtics team that had to forfeit due to lack of players. According to sources, the Celtics were able to keep it close in the scrimmage due to the forfeit, but a win is a win for the Suns, whose high powered offense continues to roll. However, there is not much to say here, as a forfeit win doesn’t give me much to write about.

2. (3) Lakers [4-1]

The Lakers jump up to #2 after the Jazz fell Sunday. The team was able to pull off a 24-20 victory against a mediocre Wizards team, which may cause some worry for the Lakers. However, the team is riding a four game winning streak after starting the season with a loss, giving this team plenty of momentum. The team’s size with Timmy Graham and John Mackie should carry this team into a solid postseason run when February rolls around. The Lakers streak should extend to five wins in a row, as they take on the league’s worst team, the Celtics, on Sunday.

3. (5) Nuggets [4-1]

The Nuggets won a shootout against the Bulls, with the score being 55-51 in the Nuggets favor. Playing against this team in person gave me quite the reality check, and that reality check is that this team is massive. The team does not lack size, allowing them to utilize the boards and allowing them to get easy baskets in the paint. Alex Hager provided work in the paint, while Matt Hayes had a big day offensively, and I would complement his defense, but he was guarding me, so not much of a challenge there. Hudson Hamill was able to provide speed when he showed up late in the game, which is perfect for the teams balance. Overall, this team could be one of the most underrated teams in the league right now.

4. (2) Jazz [3-2]

The Jazz fell to the Mavericks on Sunday in a shootout, as the game ended in a three point differential. The Jazz unfortunately did not have any of their big guys in attendance, forcing Anthony DiMeglio to guard Jack Garfield. DiMeglio was able to contain Garfield for most of the game, showing that the Jazz can play solid defense even without their giants in the paint. The team also broke 200 points for the season, which in five games is 42 points a game, showing that this team could be one of the best offenses in the league.

5. (10) Mavericks [2-3]

Ya, I know. It’s kind of a giant jump for this team. However, the team managed to grab a huge win against the previously #2 ranked Jazz, as the team was finally able to show off its full potential. With this big jump comes big pressure, as it took a lot of guts for me to put them up here. Don’t screw this up gentlemen. The team should dominate once Charlie Travers gets back into House Ball form, and once Jack Garfield can get going in the paint. Overall, this team could be underrated heading into the postseason.

6. (4) Cavaliers [3-2]

The Cavaliers have bombed the last two weeks, as they were upset by the Nets on Sunday. The team was able to keep things close however, only losing by 3. The team also scored 47 points during the loss, showing that the team’s offense is okay, but its defense still needs work. So far, the Cavs have barely lived up to their potential, as this two game losing streak has stopped them dead in their tracks. The Cavs have a good opportunity to get back into the top five, as they play the Nuggets on Sunday.

7. (8) Heat [2-3]

The Heat grabbed a much needed win against the Knicks on Sunday, only winning the game by a point. The team grabbed its first win since week one, when they smacked the Celtics. The arrival of Sam Bowtell has revitalized this offense, and with the team getting used to having Bowtell back, they should be dangerous on the offensive side. The team has a great opportunity, as they play the Mavericks on Sunday, which should test the team’s size against one of the league’s biggest teams.

8. (6) Bulls [2-3]

The Bulls dropped a close one against the Nuggets on Sunday, as the team’s defense could not stop the Nuggets relentless three point game. Senior Jack Feeley continued his career year, while Jamie Schofield continued to dominate opposing defenses. The team lacks true size and experience, as Feeley is the only senior on the roster. The team plays the Nets on Sunday and a win should bump them up in the rankings.

9. (11) Nets [2-3]

The Nets surge up to the #9 spot in the rankings after their huge upset over the Cavaliers on Sunday. The team was able to score 50 points Sunday, which is their season high. I heard Jack Griffiths carried the team all night long, which is not surprising at all. The team plays the Bulls on Sunday, which could move them up a few spots with a win.

10. (7) Wizards [2-3]

The Wizards drop a few spots after losing to the Lakers. The team’s offense was off, as they barely scored 20 points throughout the 40 minute game. The team’s defense however was able to hold its own against a powerful Lakers offense, which gives this team some hope heading into the final stretch of the season. With the size and speed of Andrew Mathew and the overall talent of Colin Minicus, this team should move up the rankings in the next couple of weeks.

11. (9) Knicks [1-4]

The Knicks dropped their second straight game after falling to the Heat this past Sunday. You can’t really blame anyone for these two straight losses, and the team has lost both games by a combined 7 points. The team has shown sparks of light, especially when they beat the Mavericks earlier in the season. Mark Schmidt has played the dark horse all season for this team, and when Dolan Gregorich shows up, the team should be dominant once again.

12. (12) Celtics [0-5]

Their season has gotten so bad that they aren’t even showing up for their games anymore. That’s right, they had to forfeit. However, Peter Archey still showed up for his team, and carried the offense all night long. However, according to sources, the reason behind the team’s struggles is Archey’s double life as Batman. Archey refused to comment on the rumor.