Solid D
11-30-2004, 10:37 AM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/marty_burns/11/29/power.rankings/index.html
NBA Power Rankings
Spurs defend top spot; Pacers persevere despite suspensions
Posted: Monday November 29, 2004 2:14PM; Updated: Monday November 29, 2004 2:14PM
Say this much for the Pacers. They aren't going down without a fight. Despite losing their top three scorers to suspensions from the Nov. 19 Malice in the Palace, coach Rick Carlisle's troops have held tough so far. Like the Sonics and Suns, they apparently refuse to believe what the skeptics have to say about them. But how long can these three surprise clubs keep it up? The schedule is about to get tougher for all three.
This week's high riser: SONICS (No. 2 from 9)
This week's big drop: JAZZ (No. 14 from 7)
NBA Power Rankings
Rank LW Team
1 1 San Antonio Spurs (11-3)
Once again they're doing it with defense. Through Sunday they led the NBA in points allowed (85.9) and field-goal percentage allowed (.411) -- and the competition wasn't really close.
2 9 Seattle SuperSonics (13-2)
They won at Minny and Memphis last week to go with earlier triumphs over the Spurs and Kings. With an NBA-best 13-2 record through Sunday, they deserve to be here until somebody else proves otherwise.
3 6 Phoenix Suns (11-2)
Sure, the schedule has been somewhat soft. But like the Sonics, they belong here until somebody knocks them out. Speaking of KOs, Steve Nash says he's fine after suffering a concussion in Friday's win over the Hornets.
4 2 Minnesota Timberwolves (8-5)
Shocked in Indy: First Michael Olowokandi gets tasered by cops, then they lose to the injury-ravaged Pacers. But they bounced back Sunday with a big win in Sacramento, thanks in part to Eddie Griffin.
5 3 Dallas Mavericks (10-5)
Don Nelson, aka the Mad Scientist, is up to his old tricks again. He says he'll let Avery Johnson serve as head coach for Tuesday's showdown with Spurs. Wonder if the Li'l General will give a fiery pre-game pep talk.
6 8 Sacramento Kings (8-5)
Sunday's loss to the T'wolves snapped their seven-game win streak, but Mike Bibby and Co. continue to do a good job taking care of the ball. Through Sunday, they led the NBA in fewest turnovers (12.2) per game.
7 4 Miami Heat (10-5)
Good start, but they have yet to show they can beat the elite teams. Their 10 wins, entering Sunday, came against teams with a combined win percentage of .418. Their five losses were to teams winning at a .606 clip.
8 12 Orlando Magic (8-4)
With the Heat still finding their way, and the Pacers and Pistons rocked by suspensions, they might be the East's best right now. Considering where they were a year ago at this time, it's a miracle.
9 5 Detroit Pistons (6-7)
Ben Wallace (suspension) returns for Friday's visit to San Antonio, and just in time too. They're only 1-6 on the road this season as they head out on a four-game Western road trip.
10 11 Cleveland Cavaliers (9-4)
They whomped the Bulls on Saturday to make it nine of 10 since starting the season 0-3. LeBron James ranks second in the NBA in scoring (26.6), third in steals (2.15) and 15th in assists (6.2).
11 14 Denver Nuggets (7-6)
They won at Houston on Saturday to make it five of six and restore some of that preseason optimism. But will Carmelo Anthony (sprained ankle) be able to play when LeBron's Cavs visit Thursday?
12 13 Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Dr. Jerry Buss is sounding wistful about letting Shaquille O'Neal get away this summer. Oh well, at least Vlade Divac and Slava Medvedenko have returned to shore up their thin frontcourt.
13 17 Portland Trail Blazers (7-6)
They have trouble scoring as a team, but not from the foul line. Shareef Abdur-Rahim had made 32 consecutive free throws through Sunday and is now 47-of-51 from the stripe (92.2 percent) this season.
14 7 Utah Jazz (7-6)
As if dropping consecutive home games to the Hornets and Bulls last week wasn't bad enough, they lost Andrei Kirilenko (sprained knee, 7-10 days) in Saturday's blowout loss at San Antonio.
15 10 Houston Rockets (6-9)
They're hoping the return of Bob Sura (offseason back surgery) can help spark their sluggish attack. But what they really need is for Yao Ming to be more forceful, especially on the backboards.
16 15 Washington Wizards (7-5)
Larry Hughes racked up his first career triple double (33-10-10) in Sunday's win over the Raptors. At week's end they were averaging 101.9 points, second only to the Suns (106.4) in the NBA.
17 22 New York Knicks (6-6)
Five straight home victories -- and Jamal Crawford's improved play -- have placated the Garden boo-birds for now. Also, Allan Houston is practicing again and could be back by next weekend.
18 16 Memphis Grizzlies (5-9)
From the Teacher to the Czar? Whether Mike Fratello takes over for the retired Hubie Brown or not, the next coach will have to cure the dissension that has crept into their locker room.
19 20 Los Angeles Clippers (8-6)
They beat the Warriors on Sunday to make it three straight victories and improve to 8-6 on the season. It also guaranteed them a winning November for the first time since 1992 and just the second time in 30 years.
20 19 Philadelphia 76ers (6-7)
They're having trouble finishing out games. They were outscored 26-20 in the fourth quarter of Saturday's loss at Orlando, the sixth straight game they were outscored in the final frame.
21 27 Indiana Pacers (10-4)
A real-life Hoosiers? They beat the Celtics, T'wolves and Bobcats last week before finally falling Sunday in Seattle. Gene Hackman, er, Rick Carlisle, couldn't be more proud.
22 21 Toronto Raptors (6-9)
Donyell Marshall is back, but they continue to struggle. Sunday's home loss to the Wizards was their eighth in 10 games, and the Vince Carter trade rumors are heating up again.
23 23 Milwaukee Bucks (4-7)
They beat the Pistons on Saturday to snap a six-game losing streak. But only Charlotte, New Orleans, New York and Atlanta had a worse field-goal percentage allowed (.459).
24 18 Boston Celtics (4-8)
They looked indifferent while losing to a suspension-ravaged Pacers team in Indianapolis last week. Their skid has reached four games and Doc Rivers is grumbling.
25 24 Golden State Warriors (3-10)
Their only victories this season, through Sunday, had come against the Bobcats, Bulls and Hornets. Gee, wonder if new coach Mike Montgomery wishes he were still at Stanford.
26 25 New Jersey Nets (2-11)
They had just eight assists in Friday's loss at Seattle, their eighth straight defeat. Jason Kidd used to get that many in a half. Meanwhile, they rank last in the NBA in scoring, assists and turnovers.
27 28 Charlotte Bobcats (3-9)
They beat the Pistons and Hawks last week to bury that preseason talk of finishing with the NBA's worst record. If they're not careful they're going to cost themselves a shot at next year's No. 1 draft pick.
28 26 Atlanta Hawks (2-11)
Through Sunday they were averaging 88.1 points, third-worst in the NBA (behind only the Rockets and Nets), and were the only team yet to reach 100 points in a game. They were also last in free throw shooting (63.7%).
29 29 New Orleans Hornets (1-11)
Thanks to the Jazz, Byron Scott finally notched his first victory as their coach. But with Jamaal Magloire (finger) joining Baron Davis (back) on the shelf, their struggles will continue.
30 30 Chicago Bulls (1-10)
First the Red Sox, now this! With Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry coming off the bench, they won at Utah to snap a 37-game losing skid (over five years) on their annual Nov. West Coast swing.
NBA Power Rankings
Spurs defend top spot; Pacers persevere despite suspensions
Posted: Monday November 29, 2004 2:14PM; Updated: Monday November 29, 2004 2:14PM
Say this much for the Pacers. They aren't going down without a fight. Despite losing their top three scorers to suspensions from the Nov. 19 Malice in the Palace, coach Rick Carlisle's troops have held tough so far. Like the Sonics and Suns, they apparently refuse to believe what the skeptics have to say about them. But how long can these three surprise clubs keep it up? The schedule is about to get tougher for all three.
This week's high riser: SONICS (No. 2 from 9)
This week's big drop: JAZZ (No. 14 from 7)
NBA Power Rankings
Rank LW Team
1 1 San Antonio Spurs (11-3)
Once again they're doing it with defense. Through Sunday they led the NBA in points allowed (85.9) and field-goal percentage allowed (.411) -- and the competition wasn't really close.
2 9 Seattle SuperSonics (13-2)
They won at Minny and Memphis last week to go with earlier triumphs over the Spurs and Kings. With an NBA-best 13-2 record through Sunday, they deserve to be here until somebody else proves otherwise.
3 6 Phoenix Suns (11-2)
Sure, the schedule has been somewhat soft. But like the Sonics, they belong here until somebody knocks them out. Speaking of KOs, Steve Nash says he's fine after suffering a concussion in Friday's win over the Hornets.
4 2 Minnesota Timberwolves (8-5)
Shocked in Indy: First Michael Olowokandi gets tasered by cops, then they lose to the injury-ravaged Pacers. But they bounced back Sunday with a big win in Sacramento, thanks in part to Eddie Griffin.
5 3 Dallas Mavericks (10-5)
Don Nelson, aka the Mad Scientist, is up to his old tricks again. He says he'll let Avery Johnson serve as head coach for Tuesday's showdown with Spurs. Wonder if the Li'l General will give a fiery pre-game pep talk.
6 8 Sacramento Kings (8-5)
Sunday's loss to the T'wolves snapped their seven-game win streak, but Mike Bibby and Co. continue to do a good job taking care of the ball. Through Sunday, they led the NBA in fewest turnovers (12.2) per game.
7 4 Miami Heat (10-5)
Good start, but they have yet to show they can beat the elite teams. Their 10 wins, entering Sunday, came against teams with a combined win percentage of .418. Their five losses were to teams winning at a .606 clip.
8 12 Orlando Magic (8-4)
With the Heat still finding their way, and the Pacers and Pistons rocked by suspensions, they might be the East's best right now. Considering where they were a year ago at this time, it's a miracle.
9 5 Detroit Pistons (6-7)
Ben Wallace (suspension) returns for Friday's visit to San Antonio, and just in time too. They're only 1-6 on the road this season as they head out on a four-game Western road trip.
10 11 Cleveland Cavaliers (9-4)
They whomped the Bulls on Saturday to make it nine of 10 since starting the season 0-3. LeBron James ranks second in the NBA in scoring (26.6), third in steals (2.15) and 15th in assists (6.2).
11 14 Denver Nuggets (7-6)
They won at Houston on Saturday to make it five of six and restore some of that preseason optimism. But will Carmelo Anthony (sprained ankle) be able to play when LeBron's Cavs visit Thursday?
12 13 Los Angeles Lakers (8-6)
Dr. Jerry Buss is sounding wistful about letting Shaquille O'Neal get away this summer. Oh well, at least Vlade Divac and Slava Medvedenko have returned to shore up their thin frontcourt.
13 17 Portland Trail Blazers (7-6)
They have trouble scoring as a team, but not from the foul line. Shareef Abdur-Rahim had made 32 consecutive free throws through Sunday and is now 47-of-51 from the stripe (92.2 percent) this season.
14 7 Utah Jazz (7-6)
As if dropping consecutive home games to the Hornets and Bulls last week wasn't bad enough, they lost Andrei Kirilenko (sprained knee, 7-10 days) in Saturday's blowout loss at San Antonio.
15 10 Houston Rockets (6-9)
They're hoping the return of Bob Sura (offseason back surgery) can help spark their sluggish attack. But what they really need is for Yao Ming to be more forceful, especially on the backboards.
16 15 Washington Wizards (7-5)
Larry Hughes racked up his first career triple double (33-10-10) in Sunday's win over the Raptors. At week's end they were averaging 101.9 points, second only to the Suns (106.4) in the NBA.
17 22 New York Knicks (6-6)
Five straight home victories -- and Jamal Crawford's improved play -- have placated the Garden boo-birds for now. Also, Allan Houston is practicing again and could be back by next weekend.
18 16 Memphis Grizzlies (5-9)
From the Teacher to the Czar? Whether Mike Fratello takes over for the retired Hubie Brown or not, the next coach will have to cure the dissension that has crept into their locker room.
19 20 Los Angeles Clippers (8-6)
They beat the Warriors on Sunday to make it three straight victories and improve to 8-6 on the season. It also guaranteed them a winning November for the first time since 1992 and just the second time in 30 years.
20 19 Philadelphia 76ers (6-7)
They're having trouble finishing out games. They were outscored 26-20 in the fourth quarter of Saturday's loss at Orlando, the sixth straight game they were outscored in the final frame.
21 27 Indiana Pacers (10-4)
A real-life Hoosiers? They beat the Celtics, T'wolves and Bobcats last week before finally falling Sunday in Seattle. Gene Hackman, er, Rick Carlisle, couldn't be more proud.
22 21 Toronto Raptors (6-9)
Donyell Marshall is back, but they continue to struggle. Sunday's home loss to the Wizards was their eighth in 10 games, and the Vince Carter trade rumors are heating up again.
23 23 Milwaukee Bucks (4-7)
They beat the Pistons on Saturday to snap a six-game losing streak. But only Charlotte, New Orleans, New York and Atlanta had a worse field-goal percentage allowed (.459).
24 18 Boston Celtics (4-8)
They looked indifferent while losing to a suspension-ravaged Pacers team in Indianapolis last week. Their skid has reached four games and Doc Rivers is grumbling.
25 24 Golden State Warriors (3-10)
Their only victories this season, through Sunday, had come against the Bobcats, Bulls and Hornets. Gee, wonder if new coach Mike Montgomery wishes he were still at Stanford.
26 25 New Jersey Nets (2-11)
They had just eight assists in Friday's loss at Seattle, their eighth straight defeat. Jason Kidd used to get that many in a half. Meanwhile, they rank last in the NBA in scoring, assists and turnovers.
27 28 Charlotte Bobcats (3-9)
They beat the Pistons and Hawks last week to bury that preseason talk of finishing with the NBA's worst record. If they're not careful they're going to cost themselves a shot at next year's No. 1 draft pick.
28 26 Atlanta Hawks (2-11)
Through Sunday they were averaging 88.1 points, third-worst in the NBA (behind only the Rockets and Nets), and were the only team yet to reach 100 points in a game. They were also last in free throw shooting (63.7%).
29 29 New Orleans Hornets (1-11)
Thanks to the Jazz, Byron Scott finally notched his first victory as their coach. But with Jamaal Magloire (finger) joining Baron Davis (back) on the shelf, their struggles will continue.
30 30 Chicago Bulls (1-10)
First the Red Sox, now this! With Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry coming off the bench, they won at Utah to snap a 37-game losing skid (over five years) on their annual Nov. West Coast swing.