NBA Power Rankings: Most Unexpected Risers
Age has a way of creeping up on teams in the NBA. It also can help you win games you have no business winning.
The last week has seen some oldies-but-goodies get back to their winning ways, while we've also seen some younger teams continue to rise and surprise.
Here's a look at some of the most unexpected risers of the past two weeks, complete with my latest NBA power rankings.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves (12-12)
The Timberwolves may only be playing .500 basketball, but then you remember they won an NBA-low 17 games last season.
Led by Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio, the T-Wolves have won five of their last seven games, including against the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs. They've only lost to the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers.
Love is facing a suspension after stepping on Luis Scola's face, but the fact of the matter is these young Timberwolves are playing like a veteran squad. They've won an NBA-best eight games after leading at the half.
2. Boston Celtics (13-10)
The Celtics may be an aging group, but they are still getting contributions from players like Kevin Garnett, who dropped 24 points on the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.
It's unrealistic to call the Celtics "The Beasts of the East" anymore, but, even with a 13-10 record, they have surprised me, winning eight of their last nine games. They're starting to play the defense they've been known for all these years.
It's a good thing because that's the only chance they have of knocking off teams like the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls in the playoffs.
1. San Antonio Spurs (16-9)
Every time I'm reminded that Tony Parker is still 29 years old I'm amazed. It feels like he's been in the league for decades, and the wear and tear he goes through each and every day isn't meant for a player his size.
Nonetheless, he's back to playing All-Star basketball, dropping a whopping 42 points on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday in the Spurs' 107-96 victory. He's also averaging a career-high 7.7 assists.
The Spurs have been without Manu Ginobili due to injury and Tim Duncan isn't the same as he once was. Yet, they've won six of their last eight games and have the eighth-best points differential in the league.
Go figure.
Ryan Rudnansky's NBA Power Rankings
1. Miami Heat |
2. Chicago Bulls |
3. Oklahoma City Thunder |
4. Philadelphia 76ers |
5. Indiana Pacers |
6. Los Angeles Clippers |
7. San Antonio Spurs |
8. Denver Nuggets |
9. Atlanta Hawks |
10. Los Angeles Lakers |
11. Boston Celtics |
12. Orlando Magic |
13. Dallas Mavericks |
14. Portland Trail Blazers |
15. Minnesota Timberwolves |
16. Utah Jazz |
17. Houston Rockets |
18. Memphis Grizzlies |
19. Milwaukee Bucks |
20. Cleveland Cavaliers |
21. New York Knicks |
22. Toronto Raptors |
23. Golden State Warriors |
24. New Jersey Nets |
25. Phoenix Suns |
26. Sacramento Kings |
27. New Orleans Hornets |
28. Detroit Pistons |
29. Washington Wizards |
30. Charlotte Bobcats |
