1. (1) Suns [7-0]
The Suns continue their quest for the perfect season, as they soundly defeated the Nets by a score of 46-37. The team continues to be one of the league’s most dominant scoring force, and with solid defense, the team stands at a points scored/points allowed ratio of 65 points. By my analysis, I believe the reason behind the teams success is the emergence of Rookie of the Year Candidate Peter Grant. I bet some people disagree, but I stand by him being the teams game changer. I guess you could say guards Danny O’Boyle and Conor Davey contribute, but its been Grant whose dominated all year long, with help from junior sensation Spencer Stovall.
2. (4) Lakers [5-2]
The Lakers rebounded from their loss to the Celtics with an impressive win over the previously #2 ranked Nuggets. The team had most of their talent in the building for the game, which allowed for them to avoid another loss. When this team has its full roster, it can be incredibly dangerous due to their size and speed on both sides of the ball. Timmy Graham’s ability to play both the perimeter and in the paint has been key for this teams success, along with the dominant defense by Tyler Grant.
3. (2) Nuggets [5-2]
The Nuggets lost only their second game of the season even with the highly anticipated return of big man James Fox. On the bright side of things, the Nuggets two losses this year have come from the currently #1 and #2 ranked teams in the league. On the dark side of that, those two losses have come in blowout fashion, which raises concerns about whether or not the Nuggets can win in a big game situation. This should be tested on Sunday, when the Nuggets take on the Jazz.
4. (5) Jazz [4-3]
The Jazz move up one spot after defeating a the Wizards by a margin of three points. The team had most of their key players, with Julien Noujaim in the paint and three point specialist Anthony DiMeglio on the perimeter. I expected the team to defeat the Wizards by a bigger margin of points, but a win is a win. But a close one against one of the leagues lower ranked teams raises some concerns on how this team will finish off the season. The team takes on the Nuggets on Sunday, and with a win, they should continue to rise up the rankings like they did in the earlier parts of the season.
5. (6) Bulls [4-3]
The Bulls pulled off a big win against the Heat on Wednesday night, as Jamie Schofield went off against the Heats defense. Jack Feeley continues to lead this team emotionally on the court, while Schofield and the Drake twins provide scoring on the offensive side of the ball. Jack Wells was dominate in the paint defensively, while also grabbing rebounds from both sides. The team is still the youngest in the league, but their talent level should propel them into a solid playoff run.
6. (3) Heat [3-4]
Alright so maybe ranking the Heat as high as I did wasn’t the best of my ideas. Still, the team was electric on offense on Wednesday, as guards Davis Nixon and TJ Adiletta provided perimeter shots while Michael Maccarone was solid on the defensive side. Adiletta also made a nasty no look behind the back layup that many may call a circus shot, but that is just everyday work for Adiletta. The team struggled on the boards and in the paint for most of the game even with Sam Bowtell playing. The fact that the team had nine guys makes it hard for the team to have a continual presence in the paint, which may affect them heading into playoff season.
7. (9) Wizards [3-4]
The Wizards make a two spot jump even though they were defeated by the Jazz on Wednesday night. Honestly, I didn’t have a lot of options to put in this spot, so the Wizards seemed best. The team was able to hang with the Jazz for most of the game, only losing by three points. Looking at the Wizards season so far, they have been nothing short of mediocre, as the team has scored a total of 221 points while allowing 221 points. I don’t think you can get more average than that. Right now, the Wizards stand in the middle of the 3-4 teams, and with playoffs rapidly approaching; the team needs some big wins.
8. (11) Knicks [2-5]
The Knicks make a three spot jump after beating the Cavaliers on Wednesday night. The team showed up this week, and well, it showed, as the return of Bobby and Christian Trifone along with Connor Mulliken sparked the offense. I didn’t see Calvin Crosby when I looked in the gym, but he was probably there… I mean the team did score 61. Mark Schmidt provided work in the paint all night for the Knicks, as he makes up for lack of height with sheer power. Overall, the Knicks should rebound from their recent skid, and make a solid push in the playoffs.
9. (7) Cavaliers [3-4]
The Cavaliers continue to tank, as they dropped their fourth straight after starting the season off with three straight wins. Now instead of yapping on about they drought, I’m going to present some numbers from their three game win streak and their four game bombing. The teams offense has stayed almost the same, but the defense has plummeted. During their three game win streak, the Cavs allowed 42 points a game. During this four game losing streak, they are allowing 55 points a game, which is absurd. The teams defense needs to find itself in the final games of the season, or else this talented roster will be heading home early in the playoffs.
10. (12) Celtics [2-5]
I know. I moved the Celtics. Shoot me. Well, the Celtics are riding a two game winning streak, with impressive wins over the Lakers and Mavericks. Peter Archey continues to carry the teams offense, and that strategy seems to be working better than it did during the first five games. The Celtics have a great opportunity to bring their streak to three games as they take on the struggling Nets on Sunday.
11. (10) Nets [2-5]
The Nets drop only one spot after losing to the league's best team in the Suns. The Nets were able to stick around most of the game, but the Suns pulled away late for a nine point victory. The Nets continue to show signs of potential, but need a bit more out of big man Jack Griffiths. The team has a big showdown Sunday against the Celtics, in a game that may decide the league's worst team.
12. (8) Mavericks [2-5]
The Mavericks have disappointed since their win against the Jazz a few weeks back. They have dropped back to back games, with their opponents being the Heat and the Celtics. The Mavs are also 1-5 since their forfeit win against the Lakers to open the season, so really, this team should only have one win. The Mavericks play the Cavaliers on Sunday, which is a battle between two ailing teams in desperate need of a win.
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