5. Brooklyn Nets
Are we seeing the real version of the Brooklyn Nets? We’ve moved past the hype, the “scary hours” era with James Harden, the Steve Nash saga, and whichever Kyrie Irving issue has had in the past two years.
The Nets, by their standards, have settled down. They have an identity on the basketball court which has led them to six straight wins. Health has also been an issue for them the last two seasons and now they seem almost at a hundred percent, including Ben Simmons.
The Nets have been fun to watch - their superstars are doing superstar things. Take for example their latest win in Detroit. Kevin Durant went berserk with 43 points, scoring 26 in the third period – the most points he’s had in any quarter of his career. KD’s scoring outburst helped the Nets come back from a 19-point deficit against the Pistons. And by the way, Irving had 38 points himself. They are still two of the greatest scorers we have in the game.
But aside from Durant and Irving, they have a strong core that can match up with anybody. Royce O’Neale is a perfect 3-and-D guy. Nic Claxton brings a ton of rim protection. Joe Harris and Seth Curry are reliable perimeter shooters. Simmons, of course, brings his uncanny playmaking and defensive skills. Their role players know exactly what they need to do every game which allows the team to be successful.
Don’t look now, but the Nets are starting to look like the contender they’ve always longed to be.
4. Orlando Magic
Before losing a close encounter with the Hawks on a pair of free throws, the Orlando Magic was one of the hottest teams in the league having won their last six games. Sure, they’re still 11-21, but they’re a subpar team with character. Nobody likes to watch crappy teams who don’t have any intention of winning and are simply waiting for the lottery.
Just this past week, they beat the Celtics, not once, but twice on Boston’s home floor. These are the very same Celtics who went to the NBA Finals last season and who had the league’s best record momentarily before those stunning back-to-back losses.
Last week, the Magic were also on our League Pass Power Rankings so don’t be surprised if they continue to show up on this list.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Three letters: SGA.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having his best scoring year in the league and he just might be named an All-Star for the first time in his young career. The kid from Canada is averaging 31.3 points (up from 24.5 last year) while shooting 50 percent from the field. He’s also producing 4.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.7 steals.
We always knew that he could score but there’s something different about his approach this season. There’s a smoothness and confidence in his shots that we haven’t seen consistently before. Just check out the flow of his recent game-winner. Spin, one-dribble, pull-up, and the swish.
The shot heard round the world 🪣 pic.twitter.com/GGRv5IvTZj
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 20, 2022
The Thunder are still a so-so squad record-wise, but at least they have a young star you can root for.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Speaking of young stars, don’t sleep on Anthony Edwards who’s quietly having a stellar year. Now in his third season, his numbers are on the upward trend in minutes (36.5), points (23.0), shooting (45.2 percent from the field), free throws (4.1), rebounds (6.1), assists (4.5), and steals (1.8).
He had a 37-point explosion two games ago versus the Bulls to go along with seven rebounds and 11 assists. And then for an encore, he had a near triple-double against the Mavericks with a stat line of 27-13-9.
The Timberwolves still have a few things to figure out, especially without franchise big man Karl-Anthony Towns. But the T-Wolves are doing pretty okay with themselves as they sit on a record above .500 which is already better than the Mavs, Warriors, and Lakers.
1. New York Knicks
The Knicks are climbing up the standings fast. What was once a 10-13 record in early December, they’ve now won their last seven games, including victories over the Cavaliers and Hawks.
Jalen Brunson, one of the most coveted players during the offseason, has been a star for his new team. He scored 30 points twice in the past week while shooting at least 50 percent from the field. He is fitting perfectly in New York as Julius Randle and RJ Barrett continue to flourish alongside him.
The vibes have been good as they continue to roll.
RJ said it best 🔉 pic.twitter.com/FbAGZ4na6U
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 19, 2022
It’s still hard to gauge where the Knicks will stand by season’s end but this is a good start for the franchise that’s been hungry for more playoff victories. If they beat the Warriors in their next game and stretch their streak to eight, they definitely deserve more people watching them on League Pass.
