Top 5 Teams in the NBA after Week 2

    Written by: Alex Gonzalez •

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    Top 5 Teams in the NBA after Week 2

    5. Dallas Mavericks (4-2)

    The former Western Conference Champions have had an up-and-down start to this season. With a massive win on Tuesday against the Timberwolves that included a Luka danger three, to a close loss to the Rockets is just how their season has gone so far. But, after finishing the first week of the season 1-1, the Mavericks are trending in the right direction, finishing this last week at 3-1. The Luka and Kyrie one-two punch is still lethal, with the duo averaging more than 50 PPG, and the new addition of Klay Thompson has been up and down with three performances with 18+ points and three performances with under 12 points. Also, another interesting point of fact is that Dereck Lively II has yet to start this season despite having a vital role in last year's championship run. There is a lot of work to do on the young season for the Mavericks, but a 3-1 week earns them the five spot for this week. The Mavericks play the Pacers, Bulls, and Suns at home and will play the Nuggets on the road this week.

    4. Phoenix Suns (5-1)

    The Suns have started on fire this season. Under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, the Suns seem rejuvenated after a disappointing 49-33 season last year. The Suns had their best win of the season this week against the Clippers, where they overcame a 21-point deficit, and star guard Devin Booker led the team, scoring 40 points. Not only that, but the Suns health is another factor in their success, as the trio of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant only played 41 games together last season. If this trio can stay healthy, they will be a major threat in the Western Conference. Durant and Booker combined average more than 50 PPG and Tyus Jones' new edition fits perfectly into his distributor role for this team. Health will be the main factor in determining whether this team can go far. The Suns play the Sixers, Heat, and the Kings at home while also facing the Mavericks on the road this week.

    3. Boston Celtics (6-1)

    The defending champions drop to number three in the power ranking purely because the other two teams are still undefeated and deserve the top spots. The Celtics have started right where they left off last season, retaining the number one offensive rating in the league and having a top-five net rating. The Celtics dropped their first game of the season in an overtime thriller against the Pacers, where they overcame a 24-point deficit and closed the game on a 28-9 run. But the Pacers stood tall, and a Pascal Siakam game-winning three would get it done. Despite that tough loss, the Celtics responded by taking care of business in Charlotte, defeating the Hornets twice over the weekend. Jayson Tatum has shined in the young season, averaging 30.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 4.6 APG, making him a surefire MVP candidate. One problem with this Boston team so far this season is the defense, as the team's top-five defense last season has now dropped to the middle of the pack. Once this team sures up the defense, they should rise back to the number one spot. The Celtics play the Warriors and the Nets at home while playing the Hawks and the Bucks on the road this week.

    2. Cleveland Caveliers (7-0)

    The Cleveland Cavaliers are the only undefeated team in the East after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks just before the buzzer. The Cavaliers have really found something with new head coach Kenny Atkinson. The team is returning most players from last season, and a switch with Dean Wade, who is starting in place of an injured Max Strus, has worked for this lineup. With the number two offensive and five defensive ratings, this team is one to look out for. The Cavaliers have started distributing the scoring, with Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Allen averaging over 15 PPG. With an offense that can hit you at all angles and still get back and defend exceptionally well, it is clear why the Cavaliers are a top team in the East and in the league in general. The Cavaliers play the Bucks, Warriors, and Nets at home and also face the Pelicans on the road this week.

    1. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-0)

    The top team for the week has to be the Oklahoma City Thunder; not only is this team undefeated, but they are the only team that hasn’t played a game within five points in the last five minutes of the game. Coming off a season where they finished as the one seed, it is clear that they are still the best team in the West. The Thunder hold the best defensive and the second-best net rating in the NBA, which is impressive for such a young group. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has kept scoring above 25 PPG and has started distributing more, averaging a career-high 6.5 APG. Also, second-year player Chet Holmgren has developed nicely, averaging nearly a double-double (17.7 PPG and 9.8 RPG). Also, Holmgren is a weapon on defense, averaging 3.3 BPG. This team is young, fast, and plays outstanding defense; it is clear to see why they are atop the rankings and the West overall. The Thunder face the Magic, Rockets, and Warriors at home and also take on the Nuggets on the road this week.

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