In week 15 of the power rankings, the OKC Thunder were one of the two hottest teams in the NBA and subsequently vaulted up my rankings.
While some of their cohorts struggled no one seemed interested as the week began with a bang given the news and finished with an equally loud bang given the news out of the Mecca.
Teams are at the stage of the season where all they can think about is getting to that All-Star Break. Especially since the change to allow for a full week off. There are squads who are more than ready for the break (Raptors, Nets, Nuggets) who’ve dealt with copious injuries all season. While others just need it to regroup (Pacers, Clippers, Lakers).
This time of year every single squad is mired in the dog days who no true relief until they hit the break. Subsequently, there are little insights to teams as some will drop the ball (no pun intended) and skid into the break. Others, like our OKC Thunder will draw from intestinal fortitude and capitalize on the sleepy squads to secure and strengthen their positions.
All-Star teams are cemented with a few slights which no doubt will serve as ample motivation. Hey Rudy, can’t wait for February 12th when you can show Mr. Green and Mr. Iguodala how it feels to hear your mother cry and then lose a million dollars only to have your peers make fun of you for it. Now that is a game I’d pay good money to attend.
And so we have a Brow, shade in bean town and a unicorn spearheading the news and these rankings will reflect those narratives (at least a bit) in the rankings.
Also, with week 17 being trade deadline week, the power rankings for week 16 performances will arrive early so keep an eye for that as well.
With that – let’s dive in and find out how each team is enduring the dog days of winter.
Let’s do it!