Sorts of Sports

NBA Power Rankings Week 3

Power Rankings Week 3 of the NBA
 
1.)  Hornets (8-1) Last week - 3:  They were knocked off for the first time Monday night, but this team has been playing great basketball this year.  Chris Paul continues to show why he's the best PG in the game by making everyone around him that much better.   They have a shot at payback Wednesday night at home against Dallas.

 
2.)  Celtics (8-2) Last week - 2:  After a loss in Dallas to start the week, they bounced back with an impressive performance in Miami and a win in OT in Memphis.  Rajon Rondo continues to draw multiple defenders and find the open man. 
 
3.)  Lakers (8-2) Last week - 1:  They wont be this low for long, but after back to back losses the Lakers need to drop a few spots in the rankings.  They are on the road this week, but should be able to get back on the winning track at Milwaukee, Detroit, and Minnesota.  They are currently 1st in points, 2nd in rebounds, and 3rd in assists in the NBA.
 
4.)  Spurs (8-1) Last week - 5:  An impressive 13 point win Sunday at OKC to close out an unbeaten week.  Their next 4 are home against the Bulls, at Utah, and then back home for the Cavs and Magic.  If they can stay healthy they will compete for a top seed in the Western Conference off of experience alone.
 
5.)  Jazz (7-4) Last week - NR:  They became my team to watch for the rest of the season after the incredible week they had on the road, and would have been higher had they beaten OKC at home last night.  Four 4th quarter double digit comebacks on the road makes me think this team has the "it" factor.
 
6.)  Mavericks (7-2) Last week - 8:  So I told you last week I was trying to motivate the Mavs by ranking them 8th, well they answered with a 4-0 week and wins at home against Boston and NO.  If they can win 2 of 3 this week (@NO, vs Chi, and @Atl) I will be sure to jump them into the top 5.
 
7.)  Magic (7-3) Last week - 6:  Got back on track after back to back losses with a last second win in NJ and a beat down of Memphis.  This team needs to find a go to perimeter scorer because teams are going to continue to double Dwight Howard until they figure that out.
 
8.)  Heat (6-4)  Last week - 4:  This ranking is purely based on talent and not the way they have been playing ball.  You have to think sooner or later they will figure it out, and if not Pat Riley will be figuring it out for them.  They play the team below them Wed. night in Miami.
 
9.)  Suns (6-4) Last week - NR:  A nice 3-1 week for the Suns with wins @ the Lakers and home against Denver.  They have a huge game in Miami on Wednesday night, and will have to continue to shoot the ball well from three if they want to stay in the top 10.
 
10.)  Thunder (6-4)  Last week - NR:  We all knew this young team would be able to score, but they need to learn how to defend (especially in the paint).  A nice win in Utah last night against a tough Jazz team gets them the last spot this week.  Tough back to back games in Boston and Milwaukee this weekend could send this team north or south in next weeks rankings.
 
Dropped from Rankings
Nuggets (7)
Trail Blazers (9)
Hawks (10)