Top 5 Teams in NBA after Week 1

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    Top 5 Teams in NBA after Week 1

    5. Los Angeles Lakers (3-0)

    Lakers starting 3-0 under new Head Coach J.J. Redick is not something anyone expected. Although the Lakers did play three home games to open the season, they are just one of four teams that remain undefeated after the first week. The Lakers had an impressive 22-point comeback against the Suns and played very impressive games against both the Timberwolves and the Kings. Anthony Davis is as dominant as ever, averaging 34.0 PPG and 11 RPG throughout the first week, while LeBron never seems to age, averaging 23.0 PPG, 7.3 APG, and 7.7 RPG. It is still early to buy in on Lakers stock, but this new start with J.J. Redick is definitely something fans should be excited about. The Lakers face the Suns, Cavaliers, and Raptors all on the road this week.

    4. New York Knicks (1-1)

    The Knicks season started on a pretty bad note, getting blown out by the defending champion Boston Celtics. But, after that tough loss, this team showed resilience by defeating the Pacers in an Eastern Conference Semi-Finals rematch 123-98. It is clear that this team needs time to gel, with new pieces in Karl Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, getting used to the Thibs system will take some time. This team's scoring distribution is much more even throughout two games instead of relying on Brunson to do all of the heavy lifting. The Knicks need to do a better job on the glass, but other than that, this team could be dangerous in the East. The Knicks face the Cavaliers, Heat, and Pistons this week.

    3. Minnesota Timberwolves (2-1)

    The Timberwolves, like the Knicks, also started their season off with a loss on the road, although it was by seven and not by 23. After a rough shooting performance against the Lakers, the Wolves have bounced back, defeating the Kings and the Raptors in their last two contests. Newly traded for Julius Randle has poured in two efficient games with 33 PTS on 76% from the field against the Kings and 24 PTS on 56% shooting from the field against the Raptors. Donte DiVincenzo has found his rhythm, pouring in four three-point makes and 16 points against the Raptors. The Wolves have a tough week of games playing the Mavericks, Nuggets, and Spurs. Will the Wolves keep the momentum? We will see.

    2. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0)

    The Thunder have hit the ground running this season after a first-place finish in the West last season; it is clear that they believe they can win it all. Their offense has been slow to start the season, but their defense has been unbelievable, having a 90.8 defensive rating throughout the first week. The offense will come for this young team, but if this defense can remain throughout the season, there is no reason why this team shouldn't be the team to beat in the West. Shai is looking as dominant as ever, averaging 28.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 6.3 APG, while Chet has clearly taken that second step, averaging 23.7 PPG and an absurd 4.0 BPG. This Thunder team looks dominant, and their draft capital is still through the roof; this team could easily make a move at the deadline to improve even more. This week, the Thunder face off against the Spurs, Blazers, and Clippers.

    1 . Boston Celtics (3-0)

    The Celtics kicked off their season by dismantling the Knicks at home, then moved on to Washington, where they easily took down the Wizards, and then, in Detroit, won a nail-biter against the Pistons. This team is clearly still the team to beat; with an Offensive Rating of 129.0, their offense is still the best in the league. Although the top-five defense from last season has seemed to slip as the defense through three games could have been better. Still, as the defending champs, someone will have to beat them before they get knocked off the top. Jayson Tatum has had a great start to his season, averaging 33.0 PPG, 54.7% from the field, and 48.6% from the three-point range. While Brown and White are also averaging 20+ PPG, it is clear offensively that this team is scary and is still missing a vital offensive piece in Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics play the Bucks, Pacers, and Hornets twice this week.

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