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November 3rd, 2008

AJ’s NBA Power Rankings - November 3

By Ali Jawad | Ali Jawad's Power Rankings, NBA, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers

A quick recap of how the local teams fared last week…

Los Angeles Lakers

Highlights of the Week: Kobe Bryant posted 23 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in an opening night victory over the Blazers. The MVP also notched a 33 point effort in a win over the Nuggets on Saturday night. The Lakers are three for three on the young season.

Lowlights of the Week: The win in Denver was marred by foul trouble and ragged play, as LA shot just 38% from the floor and missed 11 free throws. On the other hand, they still won. “Lowlights” are a relative term for an undefeated team.

The Week Ahead: A re-match with the Clippers on Wednesday before a big showdown with the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

Los Angeles Clippers

Highlights of the Week: Looks like Al Thornton is going to have himself a great year. The second year forward out Florida State averaged 17 points and seven rebounds in three games.

Lowlights of the Week: Two very ugly losses for the Clips, including a 38 point drubbing at the hands of the Lakers in their opener on Wednesday. Friday, the Clippers blew an 18 point lead against Denver before falling in OT. Add injuries to Baron Davis and Marcus Camby, and it’s been a pretty lousy week overall.

The Week Ahead: Utah again on Monday, the Lakers in a “road” game on Wednseday, and home games against the Rockets and Mavs.

This week’s NBA Power Rankings (October 28-November 2) with the team’s current standings and their rise/fall since the last rankings:

1. Boston Celtics (2-1) (no change): The C’s are once again doing it with D.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (3-0) (no change): Andrew Bynum’s recent contract extension only adds to the pressure he’s facing to perform at a high level.

3. New Orleans Hornets (3-0) (no change): Is there any doubt that Chris Paul is the best point guard in the NBA?

4. Houston Rockets (3-0) (no change): They’ll be looking to make a statement when they face the Lakers on Sunday.

5. Utah Jazz (2-0) (+1): Winning while Deron Williams is out with injury. Imagine how they’ll do with him back on the floor.

6. Detroit Pistons (2-0) (+1): They’re about to acquire Allen Iverson. He’ll help them score, but how about the overall fit?

7. San Antonio Spurs (0-2) (-2): Don’t let their 0-2 start fool you: Tim Duncan looks good, and they’re still adjusting to life without Manu.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2) (-1): Mo Williams doesn’t look like Lebron James’ long awaited sidekick just yet.

9. Phoenix Suns (2-1) (+2): Can they really become the physical, defensive team that Terry Porter wants them to be?

10. Orlando Magic (1-2) (-1): Dwight Howard is averages 21.7 points, 14.3 rebounds and 4.3 blocks through three games.

11. Dallas Mavericks (1-1) (-1): You think Mark Cuban is re-thinking that Jason Kidd trade? He should be.

12. Toronto Raptors (3-0) (+1): With a healthy Jermaine O’Neal next to Chris Bosh, the Raptors could be the sleeper team in an improving Eastern Conference.

13. Philadelphia 76ers (1-2) (-1): Thanks to the Phillies winning the World Series, a rocky start for the Sixers is being ignored.

14. Atlanta Hawks (2-0) (+3): They look more and more like the team that pushed Boston to seven games in last year’s playoffs.

15. Portland Trailblazers (1-2) (-1): Greg Oden = Sam Bowie II?

16. Denver Nuggets (1-2) (no change): Carmelo Anthony (5-15, 13 points, 5 TO’s) would like to forget Saturday’s season debut. Does he get better with Chauncey Billups instead of Iverson?

17. Washington Wizards (0-2) (-2): A slow start is the last thing this injury plagued team needs.

18. Chicago Bulls (2-1) (+2): Derrick Rose (right) looked like the number one pick after his 26 point effort against the Grizz.

19. Milwaukee Bucks (2-2) (no change): Looking for a good guard under the radar? Try Ramon Sessions.

20. Los Angeles Clippers (0-3) (-2): Too many injuries mean the Clipper Ship is still in dry dock.

21. Golden State Warriors (1-2) (no change): The season isn’t even a week old and Al Harrington is already demanding a trade.

22. Indiana Pacers (1-1) (+2): Danny Granger looks like he’ll be a star for a very long time.

23. Miami Heat (-1) (1-2): Michael Beasley is already proving he can score in the NBA.

24. Charlotte Bobcats (1-1) (+1): I think its safe to say that Sean May is an absolute bust.

25. Sacramento Kings (0-3) (-2): Not exactly the way Reggie Theus envisioned the way this season would start. The rest of us did, though.

26. New Jersey Nets (1-1) (no change): They need Vince Carter to have big scoring nights in order to compete.

27. Memphis Grizzlies (1-2) (no change): Rookie Darrell Arthur (9.3 rpg) has already found his way into the starting lineup.

28. New York Knicks (1-2) (no change): The Stephon Marbury (right) era could be coming to a merciful end.

29. Minnesota Timberwolves (1-2) (no change): Randy Foye hasn’t been hot, shooting just 30.8% from the field.

30. Oklahoma City Thunder (1-2) (no change): They picked up their first win as the “Thunder” Sunday in front of a juiced home crowd.

Discuss:

2 Responses to “AJ's NBA Power Rankings - November 3”

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1 Bizzle Nov 4th, 2008 at 12:43 am

Celtics losing to the Pacers by 25 points means they don’t deserve to be top dog this week.
2 Bizzle Nov 4th, 2008 at 12:46 am

25 points was a hope i had in my head. I meant 16 points, but the grudge stays the same. 16 point loss means you can’t be top dog especially among undefeated teams.

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AJ’s NBA Power Rankings - November 3

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