Marty Burns' Power Rankings

[MadDog73]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/marty_burns/04/11/nuggets/index.html

I know this isn't worth the bandwidth it's posted on, but can someone please explain the logic (if any) of this order:

1 1
Phoenix Suns (57-19)
Stop the presses! Stop the presses! Weekend losses to the Warriors and Rockets marked just the third time all season they had lost as many as two straight games. But they still own the NBA's best overall mark.
2 2
Miami Heat (56-21)
Without Shaq (stomach virus), they lost to the Pistons on Sunday to snap their franchise-record 18-game home win streak. However, two straight losses without the Diesel won't hurt his case for MVP.
3 5
Denver Nuggets (45-31)
They beat the Sonics on Saturday to make it seven straight and lock up the franchise's best season since 1987-88. Their current 21-2 hot streak is Denver's best since the old ABA Nugs went 27-2 back in 1974.
4 3
Dallas Mavericks (52-24)
With Avery Johnson signed to a new four-year $10 million contract, they now know who's boss. Just one more reason (along with 11 wins in 13 games) they're looking dangerous entering the playoffs.
5 4
Detroit Pistons (49-27)
Sunday's win at Miami made it six straight, and 26 of 35 since a four-game losing streak back in January. Their bench might not be as strong as a year ago, but will that matter come playoff time?
6 6
San Antonio Spurs (57-20)
They're hoping Tim Duncan (ankle) can return this week to start getting ready for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Glenn Robinson (4.3 points) has shown a decent shooting touch in his first few games.
7 7
Houston Rockets (46-31)
It wasn't pretty, but Saturday's win at Phoenix improved their record to 9-9 against the five teams ahead of them in the West. It should give them confidence going into the postseason.
8 9
Sacramento Kings (48-30)
They need to win two of their remaining four games to record a fifth straight 50-win season. But do they really want to stay in the No. 5 seed and draw a first-round matchup against the Mavs?
9 10
Chicago Bulls (44-32)
They're not only back...

-------------------------------

I mean, pick a criteria: recent play or current standing at least!

[adidas11]

Quote: "However, two straight losses without the Diesel won't hurt his case for MVP."

:wow

[Useruser666]

The top two teams have just lost twice. SA has just won two double overtime games without two of their best players and two other role players.

I see a pattern here.

[Sportcamper]

http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/frank_hamblen.jpg

Marty Burns' Doesn’t know Squat...."

I thought our effort was real good..."It's about finishing a team off.... We just need to grow to win the last five minutes of games...the last three minutes of games...the last two minutes. That's what the good teams, the playoff teams, do.."

Ohhhhhhh who am I kidding Somebody PLEASE CALL JERRY! Maybe if he is interested in rebuilding a team, he could try the Los Angeles Lakers...

Just give me Give me a clipboard and leave me alone...Ohhh When is Phil Coming back....

[Kori Ellis]

ESPN's rankings have the Nuggets on top with the Mavs second and the Spurs third.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/powerranking?season=2005&week=23

[Rummpd]

SENT

Mr. Burns:

Why do you completely diss the Spurs this week (again) putting them at number 6 with a 57 and 20 record, when they went on the road and with 3 starters missing at times and in championship style won back to back games? Any sane writer would note they did something never or rarely done, win double overtime games two NIGHTs in a row with a depleted squad. How could you not put them at the top? Why not look at the positive fact that they are against all odds threatening to steal the number one seed as their superstar returns this week?

The Truth: The Spurs despite all the injuries remain the gold standard in the NBA period.

Plus why the love in for Shaq as MVP - Duncan goes down and the Spurs lose 3 and no love for him! Why not? IMO Duncan remains the MVP of the league period despite the media's sickening love in for Shaq. Duncan, when healthy this year was a far better defender, a better rebounder etc and for all the talk of dominance, Duncan draws deservingly just as much attention on the offensive side (without the limitations of range that Shaq has shown throughout his career).

Plus despite the two losses, who does the Heat have to turn to in the 4th? The answer, Wade all the time. Wade is the man on that team and the Heat were on their way to substantial improvement this year with or without Shaq, despite the tiring stories to the contrary all the time. Plus the Heat play in a weakened East Conference this year and have had a pathetic record vs. top teams.

It goes on and on and on with your disregard for the best by far team in the league over the Heat in particular and even the Suns who have not beat the Spurs with Duncan on the floor.

Watch the playoffs as this gritty, deep, well coached, and resilient team steam rolls through all the wannabees you rank above them and Duncan grabs again the MVP that matters, the finals MVP.

Only Detroit is a valid test and the Spurs with a healthy Duncan, the incomparable grit of Manu, and an even better Parker and a corps of big men will get through even that stout team.

Thanks for the laughter of a rankings!

[MadDog73]

Hey, what is Mr. Burn's email address? I'd like to ask him some questions.

Thing is, back on December 8th, 2004, he wrote an excellent article about the Spurs that I have posted in my cube: "Texas remedy." Basically, he comments on the fact that the Spurs get little media attention for having the best winning percentage of ALL sports over the last 7 years: 70.4%. That's better than the Patriots, Red Wings, Yankees, and, of course, the Lakers (I would include a Link, but couldn't find it in the SI archives).

So I know Marty likes the Spurs... is he trying not to jinx them or something?!?

EDIT: And this was posted on April 6:

"San Antonio Spurs (54-19)
Games remaining: 9 (3H, 5A)
Crystal ball says: They lose three on the road (among games at Dallas, at Golden State, at Memphis, at Minnesota) and none at home (Clippers, Blazers, Grizzlies).
Projected finish: 6-3; final record: 60-22.
The skinny: They still have an outside shot at catching the Suns, especially if Tim Duncan (ankle) returns next week. But with so many road games left to play, they might have to settle for another 60-win season."

[Mr. Body]

Here's the method: you get rewarded for losing games.

[sa_butta]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/marty_burns/04/11/nuggets/index.html

I know this isn't worth the bandwidth it's posted on, but can someone please explain the logic (if any) of this order:

1 1
Phoenix Suns (57-19)
Stop the presses! Stop the presses! Weekend losses to the Warriors and Rockets marked just the third time all season they had lost as many as two straight games. But they still own the NBA's best overall mark.
2 2
Miami Heat (56-21)
Without Shaq (stomach virus), they lost to the Pistons on Sunday to snap their franchise-record 18-game home win streak. However, two straight losses without the Diesel won't hurt his case for MVP.
3 5
Denver Nuggets (45-31)
They beat the Sonics on Saturday to make it seven straight and lock up the franchise's best season since 1987-88. Their current 21-2 hot streak is Denver's best since the old ABA Nugs went 27-2 back in 1974.
4 3
Dallas Mavericks (52-24)
With Avery Johnson signed to a new four-year $10 million contract, they now know who's boss. Just one more reason (along with 11 wins in 13 games) they're looking dangerous entering the playoffs.
5 4
Detroit Pistons (49-27)
Sunday's win at Miami made it six straight, and 26 of 35 since a four-game losing streak back in January. Their bench might not be as strong as a year ago, but will that matter come playoff time?
6 6
San Antonio Spurs (57-20)
They're hoping Tim Duncan (ankle) can return this week to start getting ready for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Glenn Robinson (4.3 points) has shown a decent shooting touch in his first few games.
7 7
Houston Rockets (46-31)
It wasn't pretty, but Saturday's win at Phoenix improved their record to 9-9 against the five teams ahead of them in the West. It should give them confidence going into the postseason.
8 9
Sacramento Kings (48-30)
They need to win two of their remaining four games to record a fifth straight 50-win season. But do they really want to stay in the No. 5 seed and draw a first-round matchup against the Mavs?
9 10
Chicago Bulls (44-32)
They're not only back...

-------------------------------

I mean, pick a criteria: recent play or current standing at least!:smokin :smokin :smokin :smokin :smokin :smokin