Monroe: NBA Power Rankings: March 1, 2009

[duncan228]

NBA power rankings: March 1, 2009
Mike Monroe

TOP 10

(Last week’s rank in parentheses)

1. Lakers (1): As good as Jackson’s best Bulls? “I’m not going to compare them ... what I don’t want to see them remind me of is the Clippers.”

2. Cavaliers (2): They lost Big Ben’s physicality, but gain more of Anderson Varejao’s energy.

3. Celtics (3): Clock is ticking on Marbury’s first whine that he needs more playing time.

4. Nuggets (6): Holding Lakers to 29.8 percent shooting means you must be doing something right; Birdman’s seven blocks help.

5. Rockets (8): How much do they miss T-Mac? They haven’t lost a game since he declared himself out for season.

6. SPURS (4): Beating two Western playoff teams without Duncan impressed, and now there’s Pops Mensah-Bonsu.

7. Magic (5): Blowout loss to Bulls gave Van Gundy a platform: “Contending team? We’re just kidding ourselves.”

8. Hornets (7): They can thank Thunder’s doc for their Friday win — Chandler’s tip-in at buzzer provided final margin.

9. Jazz (9): Boozer’s back. At full strength, they’re scary, so look for an upward move in West standings by season’s end.

10. Trail Blazers (10): Roy takes ownership of playoff push, calls out teammates who won’t defend: “I don’t care if I hurt feelings.”

THE REST

11. Mavericks (11)
12. Suns (14)
13. Hawks (12)
14. Heat (15)
15. Sixers (13)
16. Nets (20)
17. Bucks (18)
18. Bulls (16)
19. Pistons (17)
20. Charlotte (21)
21. Knicks (19)
22. Warriors (23)
23. Pacers (22)
24. Raptors (24)
25. Clippers (30)
26. Wizards (29)
27. Thunder (25)
28. Grizzlies (27)
29. Kings (27)
30. Timberwolves (28)

[manufor3]

i think we should be 5, but whatever

[Supergirl]

so the comment is how impressed they are but they drop us 2 spots? yeah, that makes sense. whatev.

[mazerrackham]

so the comment is how impressed they are but they drop us 2 spots? yeah, that makes sense. whatev.

Rankings don't matter, but yeah it's dumb; Spurs play for the playoffs anyways, not someone's opinion

[mystargtr34]

I can see the logic, Rockets beat Cavs at home, Spurs lose to the Cavs at home. I guess injuries dont come into it.

[Ice009]

lol why mention Pops?

Everyone is getting on the Pops wagon.

[Blackjack]

4. Nuggets (6): Holding Lakers to 29.8 percent shooting means you must be doing something right; Birdman’s seven blocks help.

Yeah, like playing them at home on the second night of a brutal back-to-back.