NBA Power Rankings: Week 3

Another week of NBA action is in the books, and that means it’s time for the highly anticipated (and mildly controversial) power rankings update. Now, at the start of the season, these rankings can feel like you’re grading a term paper after just the title page — you’re left making wild guesses based on last season, preseason hype, and a few shaky games. But with two solid weeks and about six games per team, we’re starting to get a clearer picture. And let me tell you, this week’s rankings have a lot of shake-ups.

Alright, let’s dive in. Here’s the best of the best after Week 2.

1. Boston Celtics (6-1) — Last Week: 1

The Celtics took their first L this week in an overtime thriller against the Pacers, but come on — they’ve been dominant. Last year’s run to the Finals has earned them a little cushion here, especially when they’re starting the season 6-1. As long as Boston keeps rolling like this, they’re staying at the top. Sure, Cleveland’s hot on their heels, but for now, Boston remains the NBA’s alpha.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-0) — Last Week: 2

The Thunder keep cruising, still unbeaten and looking every bit like a team ready to claim the top seed in the West. True, they haven’t exactly run a gauntlet of top-tier teams, but they’ve handled their business with no stumbles. They’ve been so good it’s hard to find much to criticize. Respect where it’s due — OKC holds tight at No. 2.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (7-0) — Last Week: 9

What a leap for the Cavs! Cleveland didn’t even make the initial version of this list, and now they’re 7-0 with the best record in the league. If the Celtics or Thunder slip, Cleveland’s ready to claim that top spot. They’ve had some quality wins, including over the Lakers and Knicks, which proves their start is no fluke. If they can keep this up, they’ll be in the No. 1 conversation soon.

4. Phoenix Suns (5-1) — Last Week: 4

Phoenix is finally playing like the team we all imagined when Durant joined the fold. Mike Budenholzer seems to have lit a fire under them, and they’re on a four-game tear with quality wins over the Mavs, Lakers, and Clippers. They’re now looking like a legit contender out West, so don’t sleep on these guys.

5. Dallas Mavericks (4-2) — Last Week: 5

The Mavs are still sitting pretty at 4-2 after dismantling the Timberwolves (again) and blowing out the Magic. Luka and Kyrie are a nightmare combo, and if the Wolves have any hope of making it out of the West, they’re going to have to figure out how to deal with this Dallas duo. For now, the Mavs hold steady at five.

6. New York Knicks (3-2) — Last Week: 6

The Knicks have only played five games, and their two losses were to red-hot Boston and Cleveland teams. They’re undefeated against everyone else and looking like a team that could make some real noise in the East. Keep an eye on them as they get into a tougher stretch; they’re about to be tested.

7. Golden State Warriors (5-1) — Last Week: Not Ranked

Could the Warriors be back? After last year’s unceremonious early playoff exit, they’re out to prove they’ve still got some magic left. Their 5-1 record includes back-to-back wins over the Pelicans and Rockets. Granted, they haven’t faced any elite teams yet, but 5-1 is 5-1. They break into the rankings in style.

8. Los Angeles Lakers (4-2) — Last Week: 7

The Lakers’ hot 3-0 start hit a speed bump with losses to the Cavs and Suns, but they’re back on track with a win over Toronto. ESPN can’t get enough of Bronny James hype, but let’s face it — this team’s success still hinges on LeBron and AD. They’ve looked decent so far, but there’s work to be done if they want to avoid another play-in appearance.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-3) — Last Week: 3

Ouch. The Wolves were riding high last week, but this week reminded us that they’re still wildly inconsistent. They nearly went 0-3, saved only by a comeback win over Denver. If they don’t pull it together soon, teams like the Thunder and Suns will leave them in the dust. For now, they drop but cling to the rankings at nine.

10. Memphis Grizzlies (4-3) — Last Week: 10

The Grizzlies had some ugly losses to the Bulls and Nets to start the week, but they bounced back nicely with wins over the Bucks and Sixers. They’ve had one of the easiest schedules so far, and it doesn’t get much tougher this week with matchups against the Nets, Wizards, and Blazers. If they can’t finish the week with one of the NBA’s best records, something’s wrong in Memphis.

11. Miami Heat (3-2) — Last Week: Not Ranked

Miami’s a tough team to pin down right now. They lost to the Knicks but have otherwise faced softer opponents, so it’s hard to tell exactly where they stand. Their next few games are against solid Western Conference opponents in the Kings, Suns, Nuggets, and Wolves, so we’ll know soon enough if they’re for real. For now, they just sneak into the top 12.

12. Sacramento Kings (3-3) — Last Week: Not Ranked

The Kings had a rocky start but have been clawing their way back, taking advantage of a lighter schedule with wins over the Blazers, Jazz, and Hawks. They’re not blowing anyone away, but they’ve done enough to crack the list. Thie #12 spot is always up for grabs, but Sacramento has earned it… for now.

Dropped Out:

• Denver Nuggets (3-3) — Last week: 8
• Orlando Magic (3-4) — Last week: 11
• Philadelphia 76ers (1-4) — Last week: 12

And there you have it, the latest edition of the NBA power rankings. I know, I know — some of these moves are bound to ruffle a few feathers. Dropping Minnesota down to nine after I had them at three last week wasn’t easy, but after watching them go from heroic comeback wins to lackluster performances against teams they should beat, it’s tough to rank them any higher. Let’s see if the Wolves can handle the Hornets at home tonight and keep working their way back up. In the meantime, let the debate begin — who got robbed, who’s too high, and which team deserves more love? Let me know in the comments.