Two losses apiece for the Celtics and Lakers this past week have opened the door for other teams to seize the top spots in the rankings.

The team that overtook everyone was...the Atlanta Hawks?

Indeed, it was.

 

1. Atlanta Hawks (8-2, Last Week: 8)

We thought the Hawks might be better coming into the season, but this much better?

Atlanta has roared to the top of the Eastern Conference, already with wins over Portland, Denver, and Boston.

They certainly look like they're for real.

 

2. Phoenix Suns (9-2, Last Week: 2)

It seemed like none of the Suns played well in a blowout loss to the Lakers last Thursday night.

However, due to LA's struggles since that game, the Suns stay in the No. 2 spot.

 

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (7-3, Last Week: 12)

Since their 0-2 start, the Cavs have won seven of eight, including impressive back-to-back road wins against Orlando and Miami last week.

LeBron is the league's best player right now, and it isn't even really close.

The King is averaging 27.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists through the first 10 games.

 

4. Boston Celtics (8-3, Last Week: 1)

The "mighty Celtics" haven't looked mighty recently, with two consecutive losses to the Hawks and Pacers, respectively.

Against Indiana, Boston was outscored 27-6 on fastbreak points.

Could this be a sign of the Celtics' age?

 

5. Miami Heat (7-2, Last Week: 5)

D-Wade's last-second miracle game-winning three-pointer saved the Heat from an embarrassing loss at home to still-winless New Jersey Saturday night.

Behind Wade, who averages 29.7 points per game, the Heat's next few scoring leaders: Jermaine O'Neal (13.6), Michael Beasley (13.1), Udonis Haslem (12.4).

The Heat are going to need one of them to step up if they're going to keep the winning up.

 

6. Denver Nuggets (7-3, Last Week: 4)

In their first game with the Lakers since the Western Conference Finals last spring, Denver crushed LA 105-79, holding them to just 23 second-half points.

Denver's only three losses are to Atlanta, Miami, and Milwaukee, respectively.

Considering how each of those three teams is playing right now, that's nothing to be ashamed of.

 

7. Dallas Mavericks (7-3, Last Week: 6)

Dallas' three upcoming games: at Milwaukee, vs. San Antonio, vs. Sacramento.

Currently, it's looking as though San Antonio is the weakest of those three opponents...too bad the Spurs romped the Mavs last week in San Antonio.

 

8. Orlando Magic (7-3, Last Week: 7)

Dwight Howard's fouling problems (averaging four fouls per game) are keeping him off the floor.

In just over 31 minutes per game so far, Howard is averaging 19 points, 11 rebounds, and just under two blocks.

9. Los Angeles Lakers (7-3, Last Week: 3)

Pau Gasol hasn't played a minute so far, Andrew Bynum has already missed some time, and now Kobe Bryant apparently has a strained groin.

That's an awful lot of early-season injuries for the defending champs.

Hopefully, this doesn't become a season-long trend.

 

10. Portland Trail Blazers (8-3, Last Week: 13)

Now, with an 8-3 record and a six-game winning streak, why aren't the Blazers higher?

Well, they've been facing some of the worst teams in the league.

Portland has beaten a weakened San Antonio, Minnesota (twice), Memphis, New Orleans, and Charlotte.

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