David Aldridge takes a look at the week that was around the NBA, and uses that to help him rank which teams are the top 15 in the league right now.
(previous rank in brackets; last week’s record in parenthesis)
1) Golden State [3] (1-1): The ultimate test of Strength in Numbers, the Warriors’ slogan, without their most versatile two-way player and best defender, comes tonight.
2) Cleveland [1] (1-1): Iman Shumpert cannot buy a basket, even if he went to one of those all-night wicker places and weaved one himself. (h/t Lt. Frank Drebin, Police Squad!)
3) Oklahoma City [3]: Season complete.
4) Toronto [4]: Season complete.
5) San Antonio [5]: Season complete.
6) L.A. Clippers [6]: Season complete.
7) Miami [7]: Season complete.
8) Atlanta [8]: Season complete. This may have made a few Hawks execs snarf their Corn Flakes last week.
9) Boston [9]: Season complete.
10) Portland [10]: Season complete.
11) Charlotte [11]: Season complete.
12) Memphis [12]: Season complete.
13) Indiana [13]: Season complete.
14) Detroit [14]: Season complete.
15) Dallas [15]: Season complete.
TEAM OF THE WEEK
Game Ops, Cleveland. Yes, the F/X are ear-splittingly loud, and they don’t do anything in Cleveland that they don’t do in Atlanta or Toronto (yes, Raptors fans, I know you all sing the anthems in unison, too). But I love the PA guy, and the flags, and the lights, and the fans (who sing the national anthem as one sometimes). It works. Especially the fans. Great atmosphere.
TEAM OF THE WEAK
Security, Cleveland. While the guy who got on the court briefly during Game 4 Friday was quickly subdued and apparently harmless, the potential for danger was clear. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that’s happened at the Q. The Cavs need to take a look at why this occurs and make sure everyone charged with security is on point.
MORE MORNING TIP: LeBron’s legacy on line in Game 5
Longtime NBA reporter and columnist David Aldridge is an analyst for TNT. You can e-mail him here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
