The Sports Truth

The cream is continuing to rise to the top as Dallas and Phoenix keep their runs going. Amazingly, Orlando is practically running away with their division. Denver keeps putting on a scoring show, while even the Bulls are finally living up to their potential.

Unfortunately, Cleveland and Miami continue to struggle.

On to this week’s Sports Truth Power Rankings…

[Current ranking, followed by last week’s ranking in parentheses, followed by team record]

1. (1) Utah (15-4). Jazz are 14-1 when they score 100 points. December 11 showdown with Dallas is key in terms of momentum.
2. (3) Dallas (13-5). Win a dozen straight and the league takes notice. Defense is much improved to go with talented offense.
3. (2) San Antonio (13-5). Manu Ginobli returns and Spurs beat Warriors by 40. He played just 16 minutes, but he tallied nine assists.
4. (8) Orlando (14-5). 11-2 in their last 13 games. Dwight Howard continues to dominate.
5. (12) Phoenix (10-6). Won seven straight thanks to Amare’s four 20-10 games.
6. (6) L.A. Lakers (12-5). Favorable home schedule so far (10-2), but Kobe Bryant (right) is still the best in the game.
7. (5) Houston (12-5). Tracy McGrady’s 31 buried the Warriors after the Rockets held the Cavs to just 63 points.
8. (9) Denver (10-5). Averaging 110 points per game to lead the league.
9. (4) Detroit (11-7). Kobe is the best player in the league, but Carmelo Anthony is the best pure scorer in the league. ‘Melo has scored at least 28 points in every game he as finished this season… he was ejected from the opener with only 15.
10. (7) Cleveland (10-7). Batman needs a Robin. Lebron James is trying to carry the Cavs, but a healthy Larry Hughes would certainly help.
11. (26) Chicago (8-9). They make the big jump thanks to five straight wins… in the East, that’s like winning 10 straight in the West.
12. (10) Golden State (9-10). Tough stretch losing four straight, but they are still better than most teams.
13. (13) L.A. Clippers (9-8). They’ve won three out of four after dropping five straight.
14. (15) New Orleans/Oklahoma City (8-8). Peja and West are out… let’s see how good Chris Paul is now.
15. (14) Indiana (9-10). 2-3 West coast road trip is good enough to stay on pace in the East.
16. (19) New Jersey (7-10). Some team has to win the Atlantic division, but I’m still surprised this team is not better.
17. (21) Toronto (7-10). I still think they are the best team in the Atlantic division. The Raptors have played a tough schedule and are 1-7 against the West. If they can continue win six out of every nine against the East, they’ll be in the playoffs.
18. (11) Sacramento (8-9). Ron Artest (right) says he wants to shoot more… good luck.
19. (25) Washington (7-10). They still can’t win on the road and they have zero talent after Gilbert Arenas.
20. (23) Miami (7-10). Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem are still trying to keep this team in contention, but they need Shaq and some youth.
21. (24) Atlanta (7-9). They are quickly falling. Soon the Hawks will end up at the bottom.
22. (27) Milwaukee (6-11). Bucks are still up and down too much, but they are showing signs of life.
23. (16) Minnesota (7-9). This team still has no chance of a winning record with that roster.
24. (17) Seattle (8-11). This is what happens when you draft poorly and your best player is in a contract year.
25. (22) Portland (7-12). Randolph continues to have an unbelievable year, but they need Brandon Roy in the lineup.
26. (28) New York (7-13). Even Isiah Thomas (right) admits the Knicks are afraid to play at MSG.
27. (20) Philadelphia (5-11). Remember that 3-0 start? Yeah, neither can anyone on the team.
28. (18) Boston (5-11). Greg Oden looks good?
29. (30) Charlotte (5-12). Five wins came against Detroit, Cleveland, San Antonio, New Jersey and Boston… go figure.
30. (29) Memphis (4-13). Could Pau Gasol be on the move? Doubtful, but Hakim Warrick has been great.

Posted in NBA