It has been nearly a month since the culmination of this season of the NBA, and some teams have surprised more than others. The in-season tournament is not the only thing that looks different throughout the league this year, as certain teams are performing the best they have in awhile. Fans may find it hard to believe a month has already passed, as this NBA season is in full swing.
Although lots of action remains, here are the ten teams who have proved themselves the most this season:
- Boston Celtics
As it currently lead the Eastern Conference, there was never any doubt this team would continue to look spectacular. New players like center Kristaps Porzingis and point guard Jrue Holiday have helped its diversity on the court, while its old players have not lost their form. As this team searches for its tenth playoff stint in a row, no side currently wants to face its wrath.
The Celtics have only lost three games, and their biggest loss was by five points. They carry the largest point differential in the league with seven of their 12 victories being by 10 points or more. This team has remained consistent for so long, but has lacked a title in 13 years. It has put on the same star-studded performance as many recent years, but will look to write a different finish when the time comes.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
After making the playoffs last season for only the third time since 2004, questions of the Timberwolves legitimacy appeared to arise. Those questions have turned into answers very quickly this season, as the Timberwolves have put the entire league on notice. They currently lead the Western Conference for the first time this season and look to have found their jive.
When you build a team around players like shooting guard Anthony Edwards, power forward Karl Anthony Towns, and center Rudy Gobert, it almost sounds like a team destined for greatness. The three all-stars at its core seem to finally be seeing their proper usage and have found their roles amongst this team. Two first round playoff exits in a row gave fans a glimpse of this potential, but it seems to finally be coming to life as the third time may be the charm.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The young talent on this team appears to finally be coming to life as the Thunder currently sit second in the West. They have a strong leader in point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who is in his fifth year with the team and still blossoming himself. After earning his first all-star appearance last season, he looks to be on the cusp of another.
Rookie center Chet Holmgren, who was out due to injury all of last season, continues to make a case for rookie of the year as he is second in points per game amongst his class. Young talents like power forward Jalen Williams and shooting guard Josh Giddey show the potential this team has for a long time in the future. The Thunder have won six games straight with four wins by more than 20 points.
4. Milwaukee Bucks
Sniffing the Celtics trail comes another team looking for revenge when it comes to proving its worth. The Bucks won the title only two years ago, but memories fade fast and they will want to get back into the championship picture to keep their legacy. They are currently making a prosperous effort, as they would like to once again make a deep playoff run
After a slow start, the Bucks won five in a row before losing to the Celtics, but continue to look like an obvious playoff team. They may not be on the same 9-0 start as they were last season, but power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been playing like he has a bone to pick with the league. If they continue to keep their form, the race for the top spot in the Eastern Conference could look mighty interesting.
5. Denver Nuggets
The reigning champions continue to dominate the league but have felt the pressure of plenty of other sides in the West. Sitting at 10-5, they currently sit third in the Western Conference, and have given up a few easy games as of recently. With that in mind their center Nikola Jokic continues to lead the league in rebounds and win shares.
Coach Michael Malone faced a recent ejection due to a poor temper, but has continued to be a standout leader in his ninth season with Denver. Although it may be starting to slip from the top of the mountain, it remains one of the most consistent teams in the league. The Nuggets also still have the chance to win their in-season tournament group and could add an extra trophy to their already outstanding legacy.
6. Philadelphia 76ers
When you possess the man who leads the league in points and points per game, it is hard to fail. That comes in the form of center Joel Embiid for the 76ers, who is looking to make an early case for his second MVP in a row. Embiid looks determined this season, as his mind is full of playoff blunders from the past.
Currently sitting at fifth in the Eastern Conference, this team will likely remain around the same spot all season. Its biggest loss has been 13 points while it has won by as much as 28 points. Fans have been trusting the process far too long by now, but the 76ers remain as consistent as ever.
7. Dallas Mavericks
Despite sitting fourth in the Western Conference, if there is any team that will be able to get back on its feet, it is the Mavericks. Their point guard Luka Doncic continues to average over 30 points per game while he and his team are still sour about missing the playoffs last season. The Mavericks are out to prove they belong in the postseason, and have been doing a good job so far.
They sit less than two games back from the top of the Western Conference, as Doncic has been helped by fellow all-star shooting guard Kyrie Irving. Six of their ten victories have been by 10 points or more, while their 10-5 record is currently one game better than last year’s start. The Mavericks have yet to prove they are a championship team, but an increase in consistency could result in a deep playoff run.
8. Orlando Magic
Another team full of young talent, many were certain the Magic would blossom sooner than later. The side has yet to make the playoffs in four years, and have not had a deep playoff run since 2010. Apart from small forward Joe Ingles who is 36, the average age of the rest of the team is roughly 23 and a half years old. If this young squad continues playing this way with consistency, it could be a scary team throughout the future of the league.
The Magic currently have five wins in a row and sit at fourth place in the East. Its core appears to be power forward Paolo Banchero, small forward Franz Wagner, and point guard Cole Anthony, perhaps all future all stars. Each of these players have a long career ahead of them, but proving they can help their team make the playoffs now would make a large impact on their futures.
9. Miami Heat
Power forward Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat have continued their promise to return to the finals in convincing fashion. It has been an up and down season for the Heat, already losing as many as four in a row and winning six in a row. The team continues to be carried by its all-star core, with players such as Butler, center Bam Adebayo, and point guard Kyle Lowry.
Currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference, it is likely fans will see the Heat still competing come playoff time. They also still have a solid bid for the playoffs of the in-season tournament, as they are tied for first in their group with Milwaukee. Miami does not look like a championship team quite yet, but the heart it possess could carry it to the finals anyways.
10. Indiana Pacers
It has been four seasons since the Pacers have made the playoffs, but they look more likely than ever to make it back there. Point guard Tyrese Haliburton leads the league in assists and assists per game. As he is only 23, the Pacers best bet would be to hold onto him as long as they can, as he will likely earn his second all-star nomination later this season.
The Pacers are the only team in the East who have secured a playoff spot for the in-season tournament; however, sit in seventh place of the Eastern Conference. They are also amongst the youngest teams in the league and show plenty of potential for years to come. Acquisitions of recent, like small forward Benedict Mathurin and power forward Obi Toppin, have helped build the young core of this team and maybe spark a playoff appearance fans have been waiting for.
