NBA Power Rankings, Week 8-Did the Suns beat Stephen Curry and the Warriors?

2021-12-08 10:29:42 By : Mr. James Yu

Lonzo Ball made a huge three-pointer with 17 seconds left in the game, helping the Bulls defeat the Nets 111-107. (0:33)

The two best teams in the NBA met twice last week to separate the series. Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns closed Stephen Curry in Phoenix on Tuesday, but the Golden State Warriors rebounded on their home court on Friday.

They all started this week's game with the league's best record of 19-4, but which one of them is among the best in our NBA power rankings? The Christmas Rubber Game is becoming one of the best games of the season, but can the Suns and the Warriors stop Donovan Mitchell and the surging Utah Jazz?

Speaking of the soaring of the Western Conference team, Jalen Jackson Jr. led the Memphis Grizzlies to a 73-point victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, creating the largest victory record in NBA history. The Grizzlies have won four consecutive victories and climbed to fourth place in the Western Conference.

In the Eastern Conference, Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls won three consecutive games and returned to the top of the standings, only half a game behind the top seed Brooklyn Nets.

Our experts broke down the rankings among these thriving teams.

Note: Throughout the regular season, our team (Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Nick Friedel, Andrew Lopez, Tim McMahon, Dave Mac Menamin and Ohm Jan Misuk) ranked all 30 teams from top to bottom, assessing which teams played the best current basketball and which teams looked the most like championship contenders.

1. Golden State Warriors 2021-22 record: 19-4 Previous ranking: 1

Stephen Curry and the Warriors caught a glimpse of the first team of the entire season and seemed to play at their level: Phoenix. The Suns have the same deep and talented lineup, which makes these two teams an early favorite in the Western Conference. After losing to Chris Paul in the game on Tuesday, the Warriors ended the Suns' 18-game winning streak on Friday. They ran out of fuel in a stunning loss to the Spurs on Saturday-Curry made 19 of 69 shots in the game. -Friedel

This week: ORL, POR, @PHI

2. Phoenix Suns 2021-22 record: 19-4 Previous ranking: 2

Without Devin Booker (injured left hamstring), the Suns ended a record 18-game winning streak against the Warriors on Friday night. The Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors last Tuesday, ending the November game with a score of 16-0, becoming the seventh team in NBA history to score 16-0 or better in a calendar month. 18 consecutive victories are also coach Monty Williams' career best result as a coach or player. His previous best result was a 17-game winning streak as a San Antonio player (1996). Williams and the Suns have a chance to start a winning streak again in Monday's game against the Spurs. -Lopez

3. Brooklyn Nets 2021-22 record: 16-7

In Brooklyn, this is still a strange season. The Nets are still among the best in the Eastern Conference, but now they have a total record of 1-6 against the top eight teams currently in the NBA standings, including the loss to Chicago, Miami, Phoenix and the Golden State Warriors at Barclays. . Against other teams in the league, the Nets have a record of 15-1. - Bonton

This week: @DAL, @HOU, @ATL, @DET

4. Chicago Bulls 2021-22 record: 16-8 Previous ranking: 7

The Bulls swept the Staples Center back-to-back night and issued an early-season statement. Their performance in sweeping the Knicks and Nets in New York last week is worthy of follow-up. Despite recent shortages, Chicago is still moving forward. Kobe White and Javent Green have entered the NBA's health and safety protocol, and Alex Caruso was restricted to 8 minutes on Saturday due to a hamstring injury. - Collier

This week: DEN, @CLE, @MIA

5. Milwaukee Bucks 2021-22 record: 15-9 Previous ranking: 4

Just as the Bucks began to roll, their lineup was hit again, and Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the back-to-back game due to a right calf injury. Milwaukee hopes this is a short-term illness for Antetokounmpo, who is registering for another season at the MVP level. He averaged 27.6 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, as well as a career-high 6.0 assists and 1.7 blocks. - Collier

This week: CLE, @MIA, @HOU, @NY

6. Utah Jazz 2021-22 record: 16-7 Previous ranking: 6

Utah has the best offense in the NBA so far-116.2 points per 100 possessions, 3.7 points more than the second-ranked Warriors-and Donovan Mitchell is in his best form of the season. During the Jazz's four-game winning streak, he averaged 30 points and shot 56.3% from the field. This was the first time he shot more than half in four consecutive games this season. Mitchell has scored more than 30 points in the past three games, the same as his total of 30 points in the first 20 games. -McMahon

This week: @MIN, @PHI, @WAS

7. Miami Heat 2021-22 record: 14-10 Previous ranking: 5

The news that Bam Adebayor will miss time after right thumb surgery has dealt a heavy blow to Miami. Jimmy Butler is also dealing with a tailbone contusion. The Heat need to stay healthy this week to play an interesting three home game, including games against the Grizzlies, Bucks and Bulls. -Friedel

This week: MEM, MIL, CHI

8. Washington Wizards 2021-22 record: 14-10 Previous ranking: 8

The Wizards' defense has declined in recent losses. Last week, Washington scored 116 points in a 17-point loss to the Spurs and a 15-point loss to the Cavaliers. To make matters worse, Washington is 36 points behind Cleveland. The Wizards started a brutal 10 game in Toronto on Sunday. They will play 9 games away. We will learn more about the components of the Wizards in this road trip. - Yang Misuk

This week: @IND, @DET, Utah

9. Philadelphia 76ers 2021-22 record: 12-11 Previous ranking: 12

Philadelphia has handled more COVID-19 absences than any other team so far this season, including the loss of superstar center Joel Embiid in nine games. But now Embiid is back, and as the world continues to wait for Ben Simmons' potential trade to become a reality, the 76ers have a chance to build some consistency and motivation. - Bonton

This week: @CHA, @CHA, Utah, GS

10. Memphis Grizzlies 2021-22 record: 13-10 Previous ranking: 21

According to data from the Elias Sports Bureau, the Grizzlies have led the past four games in a row. This is the first team to achieve such a winning streak in 25 seasons since tracking game data. This is a rather impressive response to the loss of star guard Jamorante due to a knee injury-fortunately, weeks, not months. "Everyone has done a good job of meeting challenges and trusting each other," said backup point guard Tyus Jones, who had 30 assists and 4 turnovers during the winning streak. -McMahon

This week: @MIA, DAL, LAL, HOU

11. Boston Celtics 2021-22 record: 13-11 Previous ranking: 17

Wednesday, December 8, Bucks with the Heat, 7:30 p.m. Trail Blazers with the Warriors, 10 p.m.

Friday, December 10th, the Hawks' Nets, 7:30pm Celtics' Suns, 10pm

Starting from the first few days of the brutal December, Boston came to the fore in two victories against Philadelphia and Portland, and performed well in a fiasco in Utah. Now it is back to back in Los Angeles and then a game in Phoenix to end these five Western swings. - Bonton

This week: @LAL, @LAC, @PHX

12. Atlanta Hawks 2021-22 record: 12-12 Previous ranking: 13

The Eagles have won eight of the first nine games in the State Farm Arena. However, their past three home games did not get what they wanted. They lost to the Knicks, 76ers, and then on Sunday they lost 130-127 to the COVID-19 exhausted Hornets. In the game against Charlotte, Tre Young did score 25 points and 15 assists-this is his 11th game with 25 points and 15 assists since his debut in 2018. It is the league since then. The most players in the game. -Lopez

13. Charlotte Hornets 2021-22 record: 14-11 Previous ranking: 10

Charlotte was hit hard by the health and safety agreement because Ramello Ball, Terry Rozier, Mason Plumley and Jaylen McDaniels all missed Sunday’s game and will be playing Absent in the short term. The good news for the Hornets is that Miles Bridges is still active and reminded him again on Sunday how much to continue to improve. Bridges scored 32 points and helped the Hornets end their three-game losing streak in a defeat to the Hawks. Charlotte has three games this week, and now I have to hope Bridges can help the team offense. -Friedel

This week: PHI, PHI, SAC

14. Dallas Mavericks 2021-22 record: 11-11 Previous ranking: 9

Since Luka Doncic sprained his left knee and ankle, Dallas has lost seven of the nine games. In the games Doncic played during that time, the Mavericks had a 2-3 record, including home losses to the Cavaliers and Pelicans. His frustration is problematic, because coach Jason Kidd pointed out that Doncic's constant complaints to the referee often lead to poor transitional defense. On Saturday night, a sore ankle once again kept Dončić out. Kristaphinis missed the past two games with a knee contusion. -McMahon

This week: BKN, @MEM, @IND, @OKC

15. Cleveland Cavaliers 2021-22 record: 13-11 Previous ranking: 20

There is no moral victory in the NBA, but it certainly shows the growth of the Cavaliers this season. They can treat Sunday's 109-108 loss to the Utah Jazz as a game if they hadn't won with a score of 0- 4 In the last 90 seconds. In any case, it was a very successful week for the Cavaliers, as Cleveland lost 3-0 to Utah on road trips in Dallas, Washington and Miami. ——Mc Menamin

This week: @MIL, CHI, @MIN, SAC

16. Los Angeles Clippers 2021-22 record: 12-12 Previous ranking: 11

If it weren't for feeling good about the Lakers' victory and winning at key moments, then the Clippers' performance over the past week will be a low point. They lost to the Kings twice, including the Sacramento team for the first time in 16 games. They were defeated at home by the Pelicans and flame-throwing Jonas Valanciunas, who made 7 three-pointers, scored 39 points and 15 rebounds. The Clippers have lost 7 of the past 10 games. Their victories are at home against the Pistons, Lakers and Mavericks without Luka Doncic. With the return of the old Marcus Morris, Telou's team is getting healthier and healthier, and maybe Nick Batum may be about to recover from the health and safety agreement. - Yang Misuk

This week: @POR, BOS, ORL

17. Denver Nuggets 2021-22 record: 11-11 Previous ranking: 16

After Michael Porter Jr. underwent lumbar spine surgery last week, the Nuggets’ worries were confirmed, and he will be absent indefinitely. However, the Nuggets still have the defending MVP. Denver lost six straight, but Nikola Jokic returned from injury to help Denver beat the Heat again in Miami. When the hard-hit Nuggets lost in Orlando, Florida, Jokic showed an MVP-like performance on his only trip to Madison Square Garden, scoring 32 points and scoring in the victory over the Knicks. 11 rebounds. Jokic will have to continue to maintain this in order to maintain Denver's position in the Western Conference standings, and hope that Jamal Murray can return this season. - Yang Misuk

This week: @CHI, @NO, @SA, @SA

18. Los Angeles Lakers 2021-22 record: 12-12 Previous ranking: 18

So far, this has been a frustrating season for the Lakers. There is no way to avoid this fact, but there is a reason for optimism: Anthony Davis has scored more than four in four of the past seven games. 25 points because he showed that he was ready to be the recipient of LeBron James and Russell Westbrook's feed, taking offensive responsibilities day and night. ——Mc Menamin

This week: BOS, @MEM, @OKC, ORL

19. Minnesota Timberwolves 2021-22 record: 11-12 Previous ranking: 19

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The Timberwolves have a tight schedule in December-they will only face one opponent (the Denver Nuggets), and their current record is no more than 0.500. So far this season, Minnesota's defense ranks among the top five in the NBA, and it will rely on this to keep it stable during this time. - Collier

This week: ATL, Utah, CLE, @POR

20. New York Knicks 2021-22 record: 11-12 Previous ranking: 14

After losing to the Nuggets—the New York team lost their third straight game and the fourth in the past five games—the Knicks talked about trying to find their way forward. A way to do this? It started to protect people again. From the fourth defensive position last season to 19th this season, this is the reason why the New York team has changed from a playoff team to a team that is currently outside the playoffs. - Bonton

This week: @SA, @IND, @TOR, MIL

21. Portland Trail Blazers 2021-22 record: 11-13 Previous ranking: 15

For rookie coach Chauncey Billups, this is not the best week. In addition to seeing general manager Neil Orsh-the person who hired him-was fired, the Trail Blazers were eliminated in three of the four games. Damian Lillard has missed three consecutive games, CJ McCollum has injured some ribs, but he is likely to play on Monday. Portland has lost five of the past six games, but what is even more shocking is that it has fallen behind by 15, 22, 31 and 28 points in the past four losses. - Yang Misuk

This week: LAC, @GS, MIN

22. Toronto Raptors 2021-22 record: 11-13 Previous ranking: 23

According to advanced statistics from NBA.com, Toronto has the best offensive rebound rate in the league and the third worst defensive rebound rate in the league. Anyone who has watched the Raptors have seen the Raptors working hard to end their defensive offense with rebounds, and they will predict the latter number, which reflects the lack of internal scale in the Toronto team every night. - Bonton

23. San Antonio Spurs 2021-22 record: 8-13 Previous ranking: 26

The San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to four games in their victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, and they became the first team to lead the Warriors by at least 20 points throughout the season. Dejounte Murray averaged 22.3 points, 10 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game, and extended his double-double winning streak to 6 games, and did this in a variety of ways-a triple-double, two rebounds, two Double and three-point assists in double-doubles. -Lopez

This week: @PHX, NY, DEN, DEN, NO

24. Indiana Pacers 2021-22 record: 9-16 Previous ranking: 22

The Indiana team has lost four consecutive games, losing to the Miami Heat at home and losing two All-Star players. In that game, when Domantas Sabonis and Caris LeVert had heated discussions on the bench during the timeout, some frustration seemed to boil over. - Collier

This week: WAS, NY, DAL

25. Sacramento Kings 2021-22 record: 10-14 Previous ranking: 24

Sacramento has a 2-0 record against the Los Angeles Clippers this season and an 8-14 record against everyone else. The Kings swept two series against the Clippers this week. Sacramento's defense allowed Reggie Jackson to keep 5 of 15 shots in the first victory, while Paul George made 5 of 21 shots in the second victory. middle. Too bad, it wasn't until the penultimate game of the Japanese season on April 9 that the Kings put the Clippers on the schedule again. --Mc Menamin

This week: ORL, @CHA, @CLE

26. Houston Rockets 2021-22 record: 7-16 Previous ranking: 30

If you expect the Rockets will now have the longest active-duty winning streak in the NBA, please raise your hand. Houston has won six consecutive victories, following the league's longest 15-game losing streak this season. Eric Gordon is the last member of the Rockets’ recently disbanded playoff team. He has performed well in consecutive games, averaging 16.3 points, 0.493/.457/.833 field goals and 4.2 assists per game. . -McMahon

This week: BKN, MIL, @MEM

27. New Orleans Pelicans 2021-22 record: 7-19 previous ranking: 28

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The Pelicans' bench was one of the worst in the league at the beginning of the season, but coach Willie Green inserted Willie Hernangomez into the rotation to stabilize the team. In the past eight games, Hernangomez averaged 18.5 minutes, 11.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. During the same period of time, the Pelicans averaged 44.3 points per game on the bench-in this period of time, ranked third in the league. -Lopez

This week: DEN, DET, @SA

28. Orlando Magic 2021-22 record: 5-​​19 Previous ranking: 29

Orlando broke seven losses in Wednesday's victory over the Nuggets. Second-year guard Cole Anthony continued his steady performance, scoring 50 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds in the past two games. The Magic played four consecutive away games to complete the difficult West Coast swing-including Monday night with Stephen Curry and the Warriors. -Friedel

This week: @GS, @SAC, @LAC, @LAL

29. Oklahoma City Thunder 2021-22 record: 6-16 Previous ranking: 25

The Thunder have lost eight consecutive games. Last week included several losses to the Rockets—the results may be crucial to the lottery odds—and the Grizzlies’ record-breaking 73-point rout. The Thunder started this week, and the away generals challenged the Pistons. The Pistons are one of only two teams in the league with fewer wins. -McMahon

This week: @DET, @TOR, LAL, DAL

30. Detroit Pistons 2021-22 record: 4-18 Previous ranking: 27

The Pistons have lost eight consecutive games and rank second in the league in scoring from the bench. Considering that Detroit's starting lineup is full of young players, this data will not inspire confidence in Detroit-Cade Canning Ann, Jeremy Grant, Saddiq Bey and Killian Hayes-the team hopes to play an important role in the future. - Collier

This week: OKC, WAS, @NO, BKN