Another week, another massive shuffle in the rankings... All hell is breaking loose.
() Indicates previous ranking; [] indicates record
1. (2) [3-1] Nuggets
The Nuggets pulled off an "upset" on Wednesday night by defeating the previously #1 ranked Knicks by six points, but let's be honest, this was not an upset. The Nuggets high scoring offense was in full force, while the team's defense continues to improve after allowing a team season low of 38 against a usually powerful Knicks offense. Not 100% sure, but I think I heard that Nick Percarpio had a solid game, and that Hudson Hamill was busy exposing the Knicks defensive efforts. All in all, the Nuggets will undoubtably stay atop of these rankings if they continue to improve their defensive efforts, as we already know how great their offense can be.
2. (5) [3-1] Celtics
The Celtics have proven me wrong, and I apologize. The team was able to dispose of the Spurs on Wednesday night, beating them by a score of 41-36. Quinn Fay had a day, playing incredible offense while also appearing to be playing injured... The dedication this man is showing is absurd. Brian Keating continued to do his thing, as this 1-2 combo of the Celtics is proving to be way too much for other teams to handle. The teams defense is continuing to improve since the beginning of the season, and has been one of the great surprises heading into the middle of the season.
3. (6) [3-1] Raptors
The Raptors are another team I screwed up with in the preseason rankings. Shows you how much I actually know about this stuff... why read this anyway? So, the Raptors made the Suns look foolish on Wednesday night, beating them by an absurd 20 points. I heard a fight almost ended this game, which makes me kind of upset that I missed it. Jack Beatty continues to play the game of basketball well, with solid help from James Solberg, Brett Durbin and new House dark horse Emmett Sheehan. Also, shout out to Kevin Pidgeon, that kid is pretty cool. If the Raptors continue to score, I think they will fair just fine during the rest of the season.
4. (1) [2-2] Knicks
In all fairness, the Knicks were without first round pick Charlie Miller and the all-mighty Spencer Stovall, so I can see now why they lost. The game was closer than it should have been with the losses the Knicks had, which I guess just proves how deep they are. Mark Schmidt continues to prove he isn't from this planet, and Sam Giorgio was 100% from the field, going 0-0. I think that is all I have for this team. Go Knicks?
5. (8) [2-2] Hawks
The Hawks showed up on Wednesday night, defeating the Warriors in a game that was never close. Connor Mulliken was, you know what, just read my other posts about him, he is an incredible basketball player, can we just leave it at that? MVP candidate? No doubt. Andrew Mathew was also a star for this team on Wednesday (also a star on the badminton courts), scoring around 12 points while also turning 18 in the process. It's a mans game now. Fiery guard Chris Drake dropped 18 on the Warriors, while proclaiming that the team "had like 30 steals", which is kind of absurd but I believed it after seeing the score. I think his twin played well, but you can never tell. If the Hawks continue to play like they did on Wednesday, which they probably will, they will make a huge push come playoff time.
6. (3) [2-2] Warriors
The Warriors got embarrassed on Wednesday by the Hawks, but there were still some positives from the nights action. First off, Cary O'Brien had potentially the most disgusting block on Brendan Seiler that I have ever seen. Like honestly, this was nasty. Bravo Cary. Secondly, Dylan Griffin is proudly the league leader in fouls, which is an incredible accomplishment, and finally, the Burke brothers are beasts. Other than that, the team decided defense was not part of the game Wednesday, but do not be surprised if Christian Fiorenza & Co. come back with a W in the coming weeks.
7. (4) [2-2] Cavaliers
So the Cavs lost to the Nets on Wednesday night, but I will take some of the blame for that... I'm terrible at basketball. Sorry! Jamie Schofield though was electric, and I honestly do not understand how he glides through the air like he does. It is like as if the defender is just invisible, and Schofield just, you know, makes it. Peter Ridder was also impressive on some of his drives, while Danny O'Boyle remains a big time three point threat. Matt Meyjes was able to give the team a solid paint presence (sorry again... my bad guys), while Christian Trifone's defense was a highlight of his debut. I hear another big paint presence in Andrew Mercein is arriving on the scene soon too for the Cavs, so watch out.
8. (10) [1-3] Nets
The Nets got out of their slump on Wednesday by defeating the Cavs by four. Tyler Grant made his debut, while I also think Aidan Coyle did the same thing. Either way, the play of both men was pivotal in this teams success, while outside help from Brian Peters and the slightly injured Cord Fox contributed to the win. With the debut of Grant and Coyle, the team should be able to put together more wins in the future if they can continue to play solid defense and score consistent shots.
9. (9) [1-3] Spurs
The Spurs will remain in the #9 spot after losing a close one to the Celtics on Wednesday. The team got a huge addition in Jack Kniffin, but has also lost Jack Klingman for four weeks due to injury, which is what is probably causing this collapse. Highlights from the game included some great play from big man Jack Wells, who had what many may call a circus shot at the end of the game, but I am pretty sure that was a normal shot for Wells. The shorthanded Spurs were able to hang tight with the Celtics, which is why they stay stranded at #9 instead of falling to the #10 spot. Speaking of #10...
10. (7) [1-3] Suns
Oh how the mighty have fallen. The Suns started in the preseason as #4, then jumped to #1, then began to gracefully fall back to #4, then to #7, and finally to #10. What happened? I have no clue. The team has a star in Timmy Graham, but Graham hasn't been able to find any scoring support. The team also has not played defense this year, which usually causes teams to lose. And come on Charlie Dean, I'm out here calling you the dark horse, and then you do this? Sure, you've beaten me in badminton, but House is all that matters. Maybe the Suns will figure it out, maybe not. Who knows, it's House basketball, anything can happen.
Game Predictions:
Spurs vs Raptors
The Raptors will continue to impress all those doubters (I'm sorry okay?), and will pull off another W. Raptors win.
Nets vs Knicks
The Nets will try to ride the momentum to another win, but will unfortunately get hit by the Schmidt train and the rest of the Knicks. If Charlie Miller shows up, its all Knicks. Knicks win.
Cavaliers vs Warriors
This is going to be an incredible showdown (I think some people understand this) but as per usual, I do not pick games involving my team... Screw it, Cavs win.
Hawks vs Suns
The Hawks are going to be able to take advantage of the invisible defense the Suns play. Hawks win.
*Game of the Week*
Nuggets vs Celtics
In what should be an incredible match up between Hudson Hamill and Quinn Fay, I think the Nuggets have more depth and scoring options. Nuggets win a close one.
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