New Power Rankings? Yes sir. Wednesday night provided some quality action, though some teams struggled and some teams flourished. Let’s take a look at what is going on before Sunday’s slate of games. (These might be shorter than usual… annoying thing called midterms going on. Also, was not able to attend a lot of these games, so mentions may be sparse.)
*() Indicates previous ranking*
1. (1) Suns [4-0]
The only undefeated team left in the league dominated Wednesday night against the previously #2 ranked Cavaliers, scoring almost 60 points during the game. The Suns offense is ranked #3 in the league, as the team puts up 45 PPG while also being ranked as the #1 defense in the league, as they only allow 33 PPG. What makes the team so good? Well, the team has outstanding talent in the backcourts with Conor Davey and Danny O’Boyle, and the paint is dominated by the dangerous duo of Spencer Stovall and Ryan Murray. Who knows… maybe it is rookie Peter Grant who is making this team so dangerous. This team has all the tools to make a solid run in the playoffs, so do not expect a lot of regular season losses.
2. (4) Jazz [3-1]
The Jazz should be undefeated, but grabbed an unfortunate loss due to forfeit earlier in the season. The team scored 62 points Wednesday night in a route over the Nets, allowing them to make the jump to #2. I don’t know but based on the score, I think Julien Noujaim was in attendance. The teams offense has been unstoppable so far this season, as they are ranked #1 in the league for points scored, putting up an amazing 52 points per game. I’m guessing Anthony DiMeglio was hitting threes most of the night, but based on the score, the team is making good steps toward dethroning the Suns.
3. (3) Lakers [3-1]
The Lakers will have to hold out in their #3 spot for this week, as the team beat an undersized Heat team. The Lakers are freakishly large, as John Mackie provides solid help in the paint while Timmy Graham does his thing all around the court. Tyler Grant also proved to be a valuable asset to the team, keeping the Heat backcourt at bay throughout the entire night. Right now, the Lakers stand at the edge of the top teams in the league, but down the road the team might make a solid case for #1.
4. (2) Cavaliers [3-1]
Dropping down two spots is a Cavaliers team who could not hold off the surging Suns on Wednesday night. The team did manage to put up 45 points, adding to their season average of 50 PPG. The team has a impressive resume, as their only loss is to the #1 ranked team in the league. However, some may argue the validation of their wins, as the combined record of the three teams they have beaten is 3-9. The Cavaliers will have to prove themselves heading into Sunday afternoons games, as they hope to take down an ailing Nets team.
5. (5) Nuggets [3-1]
The Nuggets will have to stick it out at #5 this week after a close win against the league's worst team. The teams offense was able to show up this week however with 61 points after only scoring 19 against the Suns. Consistency is what the Nuggets lack, as they haven’t been able to keep a good average of points scored and allowed throughout the season. The Nuggets will face a good test in the Bulls, whose defensive press should do well against the Nuggets.
6. (8) Bulls [2-2]
The Bulls were able to defeat a short-handed Knicks team on Wednesday night. Senior leader Jack Feeley was able to lead the charge for the Bulls, as his three-point game was on point throughout the evening. Oh, and Happy Birthday Feeley. Jamie Schofield also proved his dominance, scoring more than half of the Bulls first half points. The Drake twins provided solid defense along with perimeter shooting. When asked about the team’s performance, Matt Drake told me “Coaches coach and players play, and Coach Edgar got us the win tonight.” What an unselfish act.
7. (9) Wizards [2-2]
The Wizards were able to grab their second straight win against a struggling Mavericks team. The game was incredibly close, as the margin of victory for the Wizards was 3 points. The offense of the Wizards has gained great momentum since Colin Minicus arrived on the scene last game, and the team should not slow down going into the next few weeks. The team also has a stout defense, as it is allowing 38 PPG this season.
8. (6) Heat [1-3]
Sam Bowtell arrived on the scene for the Heat, but was not able to give them a much-needed win. However, Bowtell did hit a wet three in the final minutes of the game, which was pretty sweet. The Heat lack size outside of Bowtell, for when Bowtell was out, the Lakers John Mackie terrorized the boards against an undersized Heat team. The team does have two solid three-point shooters in Davis Nixon, who had a few in the late minutes of the game. If the team can score without missing a lot of shots when Bowtell is out, I can see the Heat winning a few more games heading down the stretch.
9. (7) Knicks [1-3]
The Knicks will drop two spots after losing to the Bulls. The team could only put four players on the court to start the game, but the arrival of the Trifone twins changed that. However, the team was missing Calvin Crosby and big man Dolan Gregorich, which makes it valid for the team to not feel too bad. The Trifone twins showed sparks of supremacy throughout the game, and I would like to give each one credit, but I still can’t tell them apart. Connor Mulliken was able to help out with the team’s offense, while Mark Schmidt provided help in the paint. Overall, this loss should not affect this team, as they were short handed in size and shooting ability.
10. (10) Mavericks [1-3]
The Mavericks drop their second straight game since the arrival of Charlie Travers. Before you freak out, I’m not blaming Charlie. Let’s make that clear. Travers has provided a much-needed spark in the teams offense, and I have no clue if he played Wednesday, so that is that. Jack Garfield should be able to be dominant in the league if he can improve his post game, as his rebounding ability needs something to compliment. Overall, the team's recent struggles are a surprise, but the team should be able to rebound in the long run.
11. (11) Nets [1-3]
The Nets lost their second straight game, as they struggled to stop the relentless attack of the Jazz offense. The team’s defense needs to improve, as they let up 63 against the Jazz, along with two other 40-point games. The offense is somewhat to blame too, as the team hasn’t scored more than 43 points this year. The team has great opportunity to make a big jump, as they play against a Cavalier team coming of its first loss.
12. (12) Celtics [0-4]
They’re not doing too hot. The team remains the only winless team in league play, as they barely lost to the Nuggets Wednesday night. Their offense is doing fine, I’m pretty sure Peter Archey did well, it is just that their defense is allowing an absurd 55 PPG. That isn’t good… at all. Is there good news? No, because they play the Suns on Sunday.
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