NBA Power Rankings: December 3rd
News Wire
The Spurs lost Tim Duncan to a knee and ankle injury on Sunday.
LeBron James missed his second straight game with a sprained finger, and is listed as day-to day.
The Golden State Warriors have now won six straight games.
The Warriors go up against Orlando Monday night, a game that should be a high-scoring thriller.
The Hornets and Mavericks swapped spots in the rankings, as a result of the Hornets' overtime victory over Dallas on Saturday.
Note: These rankings consider both momentum and record. A hot team may get the nod over a squad with a better winning percentage.
1. Phoenix Suns (13-4)
The Suns defeated the terrible New York Knicks on Sunday.
Amare Stoudemire notched 28 points and 12 rebounds. Grant Hill scored a season-high 28, and reigning Sixth Man of the Year Leandro Barbosa came off the bench for 15.
The Suns are currently second in the league in scoring, averaging 108.4 PPG. Hill seems to fit nicely with this team.
Note: Keep an eye on the slumping Boris Diaw. He was held scoreless against New York—and only took one shot.
2. San Antonio Spurs (15-3)
The Spurs were still able to get it done against Portland without Duncan. The big man left the game with a sprained ankle and bruised right knee.
Duncan's injury could well knock San Antonio down the rankings.
3. Orlando Magic (15-4)
The Magic started well under Brian Hill last year, but Stan Van Gundy's savvy and Dwight Howard's improved play give this team a new legitimacy.
The Magic are now a surprising 10-2 on the road after defeating the Lakers Sunday.
Note: While Howard and Rashard Lewis have received all the credit, Hedo Turkoglu and J.J. Redick have been key to the Magic's success.
Yes, THAT J.J. Redick—his three-point range is almost unlimited.
4. Boston Celtics (14-2)
Although they won 80-70, the Celtics played a terrible game Sunday against the LeBron-less Cavaliers.
They were so bad that coach Doc Rivers said he's getting rid of the game tape without watching it.
Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen were the only two Celtics to score in double figures.
Note: Role players Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Eddie House, and Glen Davis have all made solid contributions of late.
5. Utah Jazz (12-5)
The Jazz are coming off a win against the Lakers Friday night, minus Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur.
Ronnie Brewer has come out of nowhere with his scoring and defensive ability—and is a great complement to Boozer and Deron Williams.
Note: Paul Milsap is another guy to pay attention to in Utah.
6. Golden State Warriors (9-7)
Their record isn't great, but the Warriors are the hottest team in the league.
They've now won six straight and nine of their last 10, after a 0-6 start.
If Baron Davis can stay healthy, look for these guy to make a splash in the playoffs once again.
Golden State now leads the league in scoring, averaging 108.6 ppg.
Note: Kelenna Azubuike's numbers have fallen since Stephen Jackson made his season debut.
7. New Orleans Hornets (12-6)
The Hornets are coming off an overtime victory against Dallas Saturday night.
Chris Paul had a huge game, with 33 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds.
Peja Stokajovic chipped in 22 points, and hit a three-pointer to send the game to overtime.
That said, I'm still not quite sold on these guys.
The Hornets started off 9-2, but have gone 6-5 in their last eleven games.
Paul is still the man, averaging a double-double—but Stokajovic and David West need to be more consistent.
8. Dallas Mavericks (11-6)
The Mavs swapped spots with New Orleans after Saturday's loss.
Jason Terry, Dirk Nowitzki, and Josh Howard scored 19 points apiece. Jerry Stackhouse came off the bench for 18.
Hard to believe a 67-win team from a year ago can be this far down the list.
Still, let's wait and see how the Mavs rebound from last year's embarrassing playoff exit.
Note: Brandon Bass is a player to watch this season. Bass has gelled well with Avery Johnson's crew, averaging 10 PPG.
9. Detroit Pistons (11-5)
The Pistons have been very quiet to open the season—but they defeated the New Jersey Nets Sunday night 115-104.
Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Rasheed Wallace have all battled injuries. The Pistons could use Chris Webber, but I doubt he's coming back.
Detroit has made it to the Eastern Conference Finals each of the last five years, but their streak might come to an end this season.
10. Denver Nuggets (11-7)
The Nuggets beat Miami Sunday, and are now riding a two-game winning streak
But it still seems that Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson are overly focused on being individual stars.
J.R. Smith, on the other hand, has looked good as of late, as has Marcus Camby.
Note: Linas Kleiza is a guy to watch for in Denver—his three-point shooting gives the Nuggets something that they've lacked.
