An interesting look at the NBA Power Rankings by By Kori Ellis of SpursZONE.com
THE TOP
1. Detroit Pistons – The undefeated Pistons have won six in a row, including three straight on the road. Maybe Larry Brown wasn’t that important after all?
2. Washington Wizards – The Wizards are flying high at 5-1, led by Gilbert Arenas who was unstoppable against the Spurs on Saturday night with 43 points on 15-for-20 from the floor.
3. San Antonio Spurs – With Michael Finley and Brent Barry sidelined with injuries, the Spurs dropped two on their five game trip. Good news is Manu Ginobili, who was struggling early, seems to be getting back on track for the champs.
4. Milwaukee Bucks – Down 14 points with 3:39 left, the Bucks rallied back to defeat the Pacers on Saturday night. Maurice Williams’ buzzer beater catapulted the Bucks to their fourth victory in five games.
5. Dallas Mavericks – Dirk is a little banged up but Avery Johnson will keep this team playing hard, while attempting to put the D back in Dallas.
THE BOTTOM
26. Sacramento Kings – The addition of Shareef Abdur-Rahim looked good on paper but it isn’t translating into the win column for the Kings.
27. Seattle Supersonics – Will Bob Weiss be the first NBA head coach fired this season? If the Sonics keep giving up over 111 points per game, he very well may be.
28. New York Knicks – Larry Brown was relieved to notch his first win with the Knicks on Sunday, a 105-95 victory over the struggling Kings.
29. Atlanta Hawks – Scoring just over 90 points per game, the hapless Hawks will need Josh Smith to step up his game as the young Hawks try to find their way.
30. Toronto Raptors – Sam Mitchell has three impressive rookies on his squad but that will be the only bright spot up north. The lottery balls are already bouncing in Toronto.
OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH
Los Angeles Clippers – It’s only seven games into the season, but the Clippers are sitting atop the Pacific Division.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Winners of four straight, the Cavaliers (5-2) are looking to make a move up the standings.