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Week 5 NBA Power Ranking – OKC Thunder stay in the mix despite winless week

By Tamberlyn Richardson

NOVEMBER 9: The OKC Thunder stand during the National Anthem before the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 9, 2019 (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
NOVEMBER 9: The OKC Thunder stand during the National Anthem before the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 9, 2019 (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Anthony Davis, OKC Thunder NBA Power Rankings week 18 (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

LA Lakers

Offense: (110.5 ) – 8th
Defense: (102.5 ) – 5th
Net: (plus +7.9) -3rd

Record: 14-2
Games Week 5 (3-0)  Wins vs. Thunder (twice), (Grizzlies)
Games Week 6: Mon, Nov. 25  at Spurs | Weds, Nov. 26 at Pelicans | Fri, Nov. 28  vs. Wizards | Sun, Nov. 30 vs. Mavericks

Both victories versus the OKC Thunder came with an asterisk because of how the clutch time close out went down. One of the more egregious calls this season occurred as Danilo Gallinari was called for a travel. It was such an obviously wrong call even the LA announcers asserted as much.

Likewise, the personal foul called on Hamidou Diallo which sent LeBron James to the line for a three-point play was the turning point in game two. It was clear LeBron pushed off and despite a coach’s challenge, the call stood up. It sucked all momentum out of Chesapeake and sent Diallo to the injured list for what will be up to six weeks.

The other team the Lakers faced was the Grizzlies who also pushed them to the buzzer and also became part of LA’s fallen opponents. LA left week five unbeaten but beat two clubs in three matches by a cumulative nine points — which once again begged the question of whether the Lakers are a powerhouse or simply winning games they should.

LA enters week six on a seven-game win streak with three more sub .500 clubs and one elite team on the itinerary.

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