2014-15 NBA Power Rankings Week 8: Ranking the Top 5 Teams in the NBA
Welcome to another edition of NBA Power Rankings.
The Southwest division is once again showing dominance, and the Eastern Conference doesn't have a single team in our power rankings. A recent trade has helped the Mavericks increase in the power rankings.
Here are the top five teams in the NBA after eight weeks of play:
1. Golden State Warriors
After eight weeks of play, the Golden State Warriors still have the best record in the NBA, 22-3.
The Warriors have won nine of their last 10 games, including notable victories over the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets. Their only loss in that span was a cross country road game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Warriors rank third overall in points scored. "The Splash Brothers" of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have been almost un-guardable this season averaging a combined 45 points per game. The only issue for the Warriors now is 7-foot center Andrew Bogut, who is resting a knee injury.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
What a crazy week it was in Memphis.
The Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs in a triple overtime thriller in San Antonio in the most exciting game of the season. What made this win so impressive is that the Grizzlies defeated the Warriors in the previous game. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies have lost their last two games to drop to 21-6 overall. Marc Gasol is making a strong MVP case, and Zach Randolph has been a monster on the boards. The Grizzlies have a tough challenge playing in the Southwest division, but they're 4-2 against division opponents.
3. Portland Trail Blazers
Robin Lopez is going to miss at least a month, but the Trail Blazers will survive. Damian Lillard has been playing outstanding lately with his lethal mid range jump shot. LaMarcus Aldridge leads the Trail Blazers in rebounds this season at 10.7 per game. At 22-6, the Trail Blazers lead the Northwest division by nine games over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Trail Blazers have improved their defense dramatically from last season, and they have a chance at grabbing the No. 1 seed in the West. The Trail Blazers have won their last five consecutive games, including a triple overtime game against the Spurs.
4. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have a new point guard, and his name is Rajon Rondo.
With Rondo on the squad now, this Mavericks team is championship or bust. The Mavericks offer one of the most powerful rosters in the league with big names such as Rondo, Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis, Chandler Parsons and Tyson Chandler. The biggest issue for the Mavericks this season has been beating quality teams, but the Mavericks are still 20-8 overall. Mark Cuban and general manager Donnie Nelson have created one of the most balanced teams in the NBA. The Mavericks have the highest scoring offense in the NBA today, and with Rondo distributing the ball, the possibilities are endless.
5. Houston Rockets
James Harden has been playing like an MVP candidate this year, and it's good to see him playing better on defense. At 19-7, the Rockets are in second place in the Southwest division. With Harden, Trevor Ariza and Jason Terry hitting consistent three-point shots, this Rockets offense is hard to stop. Center Dwight Howard is arguably one of the best big men in the NBA today, and he's averaging 11.9 rebounds per game this season.
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