This is something that I wanted to add to the blog this season a more general perspective of the entire NBA and how I feel some of the sides have performed. Each Month I will be ranking the top 10 performing teams and giving my thoughts on their performance.
- Cleveland Cavaliers - 17-3 (7-3)
The ultimate surprise this season has been the rapid improvement of the Cleveland Cavaliers in spite of their lack of offseason additions. They possess the best record in the NBA and started the season a blistering 15-0. The Cavs have seen significant developments from some of their key players especially Evan Mobley and Darius Garland who have both been playing at an all-star level to begin the season. The addition of Kenny Atkinson as head coach can also not be underestimated as he has transformed Cleveland’s offense.
- Boston Celtics - 17-4 (8-2)
The returning champions have displayed a similar start to that of their championship season last season. Their excellent start has been even more impressive considering they have been without one of their stars – Kristaps Porzingis – for the opening 17 games of the season. Jayson Tatum has been the most impressive player in the NBA this season and is quite rightly one of the front runners for the MVP.
- Oklahoma City Thunder - 15-5 (7-3)
OKC had an excellent season last year clutching the one seed which they hold comfortably currently in the Western Conference. Their defence has been stifling and is currently ranked second in the NBA, they have recently lost one of their young stars Chet Holmgreen for an extended period and it will be exciting to see how they fair without him for that time. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams have formed a formidable duo and look to be the next dynasty in the NBA.
- Houston Rockets - 15-6 (8-2)
The Rockets are a team that few favoured to even make the playoffs this season, yet they currently sit second in the Western Conference. Alperen Sengun has been their biggest asset on both ends of the floor averaging a double-double in points and rebounds. However, the most impressive part of their play has been their defence, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Dillon Brooks have been superb on the defensive side of the ball and are the main reason for their success thus far.
- Orlando Magic - 15-7 (9-1)
Orlando is a team that everybody knew had an exciting young core of players and I felt they could be an elite team this season. The most impressive part of their success has been they have done it without their star Paolo Banchero who hasn’t played since October. Franz Wagner has been sensational averaging 23 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6 assists and is a major factor in their 11-1 record across the last 12 games.
- Golden State Warriors - 12-7 (5-5)
The Warriors have revived themselves this season, Buddy Hield has proved a great addition and Andrew Wiggins has returned to his championship form in 2022. They have won a couple huge games including against the reigning champions and have positioned themselves perfectly in the western conference for a playoff spot.
- Memphis Grizzlies - 14-7 (7-3)
We all knew Memphis would bounce back this year after one of the worst injury riddled seasons in NBA history last year. Their star Ja Morant has still missed around half of their games but guys like Scottie Pippen Jr, Santi Aldama and Jay Huff have been excellent in his absence. Surprisingly their second-round pick – Jaylen Wells – looks to be a great addition and could well be the one to lift the rookie of the year award.
- Dallas Mavericks - 13-8 (8-2)
After reaching finals in the summer the Mavericks have yet to really kick on from that this season. Luka Doncic’s numbers are down in virtually every statistic, and he has misses five of the last six games. However, his partner in crime – Kyrie Irving – has played at an all-star level so far this season and is a major factor in any of the success this team has found thus far.
- Milwaukee Bucks - 10-9 (8-2)
After a horrendous 2-8 start, the Bucks have managed to get their season back on track with thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo who is currently pursuing the MVP. He is having an incredible individual season averaging close to 33 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. The major issue that Milwaukee will continue to face throughout this season is their inability to defend at a high level, which they will need to do to find any success in the postseason.
- New York Knicks - 12-8 (7-3)
The Knicks pulled off two blockbuster trades this offseason and acquired Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, but they have yet to properly gel as a unit and haven’t quite shown what they are capable of so far this season. I do believe that as the season progresses New York will rise the standings as their roster undoubtedly possesses the quality to be competing around the top of the Eastern Conference.
By Will C
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