(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
After another full week of NBA basketball, one thing so far is clear: Expect the unexpected. In this lane embrace the rise of the Atlanta Hawks.
While this season was anticipated to be a weird year unlike any the fans had seen before somehow the start of the season has still been even stranger than expected. There have multiple 30 plus point routes of teams many consider to be contenders. The team that traded for an All-NBA guard was the last team to get a win.
The Orland Magic were the last team to take an L. The Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be legitimately good. The Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors seem lost. Needless to say, everything from the season must be taken with a grain of salt. The sample size is extremely small. For teams with lots of turnover, the lack of training camp and preseason to get on the same page is being made obvious.
That being said, there are clear trends to glean from the first six games played by each team. Some teams are starting to take form or are keeping the form from last year. Others their issues are clearly explainable.
Players who we knew were going to take leaps have indeed leaped. So the rankings are jumbled from a week ago and that is fun. The level of parity in the league thus far is different than what we have seen in years. While the team at the top may (spoiler alert) remain the same, not much else feels like it did a week ago.
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<p>Last Week: Lost to the Orlando Magic 120-113, Lost to Chicago Bulls 115-107, Lost to Chicago Bulls 133-130, Beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 130-109</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 at Brooklyn Nets, 1/6/2021 at Philadelphia 76ers, 1/8/2021 at Boston Celtics, 1/9/2021 vs. Miami Heat</p>
<p>By hours, the Washington Wizards were the final team in the league to secure a win. While this was expected of the Detroit Pistons, the Wizards had significant playoff aspirations. The fact that the team looks better without Russell Westbrook is alarming, to say the least.</p>
<p>Davis Bertans has not been what the team expected either. He is clearly slowly returning to form after such a long layoff and needs time to get back to the player who earned the contract he was given this offseason. However, he is the least of the team’s worries.</p>
<p>The fact that even the broadcasters are having fun at the expense of an All-NBA guard is telling. Westbrook has posted a triple-double in every game so far and the announcers have mentioned how clearly they would prefer wins to stat padding. His efficiency is abysmal and figuring out how to get him back on track will take work.</p>
<p>Thomas Bryant has been an offensive force thus far and would be a bright spot if he could ever stop fouling. Until then, he is only tantalizing potential. Beal is still explosive but the exasperation is clearly growing. With four playoff teams on the schedule for this week, things could start to get ugly.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 29 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419838" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1230384986.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230384986.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230384986-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="29" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Detroit Pistons" data-team-id="64" data-meta-a="1-4" data-meta-b="Previous: 29th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">29 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Detroit Pistons <span class="score">1-4</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">29</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fpistons.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Atlanta Hawks 128-120, Lost to Golden State Warriors 116-106, Beat Boston Celtics 96-83</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. Boston Celtics, 1/4/2021 at Milwaukee Bucks, 1/6/2021 at Milwaukee Bucks, 1/8/2021 vs. Phoenix Suns</p>
<p>The Detroit Pistons finally got a win to cap off the week. They have looked competitive in every game so far and have given the fans who are watching hope for the future. With Blake Griffin missing two of the games this week and Derrick Rose missing one, some of the younger players on the roster were hoisted into the spotlight.</p>
<p>Saddiq Bey looks ready and is contributing from beyond the 3-point arc. Isaiah Stewart is a bundle of untamed energy. Killian Hayes looks to be the least ready but still shows flashes in terms of passing and defensive effort. Things take time but Detroit is at least fun bad when they embrace the youth. Josh Jackson and Jerami Grant have been revelations and are giving more confidence to fans who want to believe in Troy Weaver.</p>
<p>All that positivity aside, the team is not going to win many games. The overall talent level is just not there relative to the rest of the league. The issue with having three young rookies getting significant minutes is that the team will tend to be mistake-prone.</p>
<p>Things get worse when veterans like Rose are also in a slump to start the season. Their schedule is brutal over the coming weeks so they will likely be piling up Ls.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 28 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419839" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1293935890.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293935890.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293935890-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="28" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Chicago Bulls" data-team-id="24" data-meta-a="2-4" data-meta-b="Previous: 30th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">28 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Chicago Bulls <span class="score">2-4</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">30</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fbulls.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Golden State Warriors 129-128, Beat Washington Wizards 115-107, Beat Washington Wizards 133-130, Lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 126-96</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. Dallas Mavericks, 1/5/2021 at Portland Trail Blazers, 1/6/2021 at Sacramento Kings, 1/8/2021 at Los Angeles Lakers</p>
<p>Not only did the Chicago Bulls find a way to win one game, but they claimed two against the Washington Wizards. This may say more about the opponent than the team at hand but getting it done with a COVID-depleted roster is helpful nonetheless.</p>
<p>Lauri Markkanen is the headliner of the group missing games due to pandemic issues. He and Wendell Carter Jr. look to be rediscovering some of the production from past seasons that had the team a popular pick to take a leap. Add in the clear talent of Patrick Williams being figured out on the fly, there is something here for the Bulls. It is just not going to be realized this year.</p>
<p>Billy Donovan will have to adjust to a mismatched roster and try to figure out exactly which talent fits. Otto Porter Jr. looked good enough at times against his former teams that many fans were clicking through the trade machine to see how they may nab the expiring forward. Days later against the Bucks had Bulls fans trying to do the same to unload him.</p>
<p>This season is quickly turning into getting the youth on the same page. Enjoy those Wizards wins while you can because they may be the last for a few weeks.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 27 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419840" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1113,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1293324505.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1113" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293324505.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293324505-768x534.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="27" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Charlotte Hornets" data-team-id="170" data-meta-a="2-4" data-meta-b="Previous: 26th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">27 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Charlotte Hornets <span class="score">2-4</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">26</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fhornets.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat Brooklyn Nets 106-104, Beat Dallas Mavericks 118-99, Lost to Memphis Grizzlies 108-93, Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 127-112</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 at Philadelphia 76ers, 1/6/2021 at Atlanta Hawks, 1/8/2021 at New Orleans Pelicans, 1/9/2021 vs. Atlanta Hawks</p>
<p>If the calendar never flipped to 2021, the Charlotte Hornets would be feeling pretty good. They ended everyone’s least favorite year with wins against the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks and had to feel like they were righting the ship.</p>
<p>In 2021, they fell to the Memphis Grizzlies by 15 without their three best players and then got body bagged by the Philadelphia 76ers. Having only Bismack Biyombo available at center feels like a problem with the depth of size the team has faced.</p>
<p>Speaking of Biyombo, the play by play announcers embodied the entirety of the NBA world when the center pulled up from long range on Friday night. This team just feels hapless more often than not. Gordon Hayward is scoring fine but most of it feels empty. LaMelo Ball has thrown some dimes and has hit a few shots from distance but is still figuring it out.</p>
<p>Terry Rozier is probably the best player on the roster. For a team this expensive to be this mediocre, one might assume that a trade has to be on the horizon. There is no way that Michael Jordan is yet again paying millions of dollars to struggle to get the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. Or is there?</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 26 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419841" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1293773666.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293773666.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293773666-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="26" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Toronto Raptors" data-team-id="81" data-meta-a="1-4" data-meta-b="Previous: 20th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">26 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Toronto Raptors <span class="score">1-4</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">20</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fraptors.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 100-93, Beat New York Knicks 100-83, Lost to New Orleans Pelicans 120-116</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 vs. Boston Celtics, 1/6/2021 at Phoenix Suns, 1/8/2021 at Sacramento Kings</p>
<p>It is getting close to time to worry about the Toronto Raptors. If nothing else, something needs to be said about Pascal Siakam. He is shooting a brutal 39.3 percent from the field so far this season and has dropped to 33.3 percent from distance. He was even benched for disciplinary reasons against the Knicks, leading to an online swirl of trade rumors.</p>
<p>This team is clearly struggling with being displaced for the entire season. They do deserve sympathy for the mess the pandemic has caused in their personal lives. Imagine choosing between uprooting their families and having them live in another country for the year or being separated for an equal amount of time is brutal.</p>
<p>No matter the scenario, something is clearly off with Toronto and figuring out a quick solution seems unlikely. The Raptors will either have to pursue some sort of blockbuster or hope that the team gets back on the same page and can get back to their winning ways. Their dominant defense of years passed is just not there.</p>
<p>Their starting guards have been impressive but not much else can be celebrated thus far. While it may not be time to panic just yet, that time is not far away. With games against the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns to start the week things may be about to get even uglier.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 25 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419842" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2287,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1294069824.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2287" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294069824.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294069824-768x549.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="25" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Denver Nuggets" data-team-id="73" data-meta-a="1-4" data-meta-b="Previous: 18th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">25 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Denver Nuggets <span class="score">1-4</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">18</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fnuggets.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat Houston Rockets 124-111, Lost to Sacramento Kings 125-115, Lost to the Phoenix Suns 106-103</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 at Minnesota Timberwolves, 1/5/2021 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 1/7/2021 vs. Dallas Mavericks, 1/9/2021 at Philadelphia 76ers</p>
<p>Are the Denver Nuggets bad or just off to a sluggish start? With only one win on the books, these are questions that need to be considered. The Sacramento Kings seem to have figured them out to an extent. The Phoenix Suns came through in the clutch to continue their woes.</p>
<p>Not all is bad. Nikola Jokic has been out of his mind to start the season and has kept them afloat in all of the games they have played. Jamal Murray has been inconsistent but looked like the bubble All-Star in the most recent game.</p>
<p>The team just needs to get on the same page. Michael Porter Jr. entering the COVID protocol does not help matters. As availability becomes variable, consistency will continue to be stifled. Regardless, there is no reason to lose all hope of yet. Despite the records, it should be noted the loss of the Nuggets’ entire reserve frontcourt in free agency.</p>
<p>Replacing that level of production and dependability will not be figured out in one week. Denver will be back on track in due time. Jokic is simply too good for the losses to persist. If anyone on the roster can become more of the constants that they were only months ago, the wins will soon follow.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 24 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419844" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1097,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1294089383.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1097" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294089383.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294089383-768x527.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Ezra Shaw/undefined)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="24" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Golden State Warriors" data-team-id="41" data-meta-a="2-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 24th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">24 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Golden State Warriors <span class="score">2-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">24</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fwarriors.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat Chicago Bulls 129-128, Beat Detroit Pistons 116-106, Lost to the Portland Trail Blazers 123-98</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 1/4/2021 vs. Sacramento Kings, 1/6/2021 vs. LA Clippers, 1/8/2021 vs. LA Clippers</p>
<p>It would seem the return of Draymond Green was not the answer to all of the Golden State Warriors’ problems. The roster is a mismatched fit and the talent level is not up to snuff with the rest of the Western Conference. Stephen Curry has looked like the Curry of old. But instead of the usual cast of characters, there is too much reliance on players who leave you wanting more.</p>
<p>Andrew Wiggins has been the second-best Warrior so far this season and was remarkably instrumental in the late run that put away the Detroit Pistons. The team needed a buzzer-beater from Damion Lee to outlast the similarly hapless Chicago Bulls. No one could help enough against the Portland Trail Blazers.</p>
<p>Kelly Oubre Jr., a highly touted offseason pickup, has made a single 3-point attempt and is shooting 4.0 percent on the season. Read that again, clean yourself up and realize just how damaging that is. If it is not a dunk, he is completely ineffective thus far this season.</p>
<p>The only true harbinger of hope is how clearly good James Wiseman is going to be. The biggest issue for the team is he might now be able to play the role they need him to (second option) for a couple of years. Until then the Warriors will be far too reliant on Step Curry shooting them to wins.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 23 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419543" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1293324608.jpeg" alt="OKC Thunder" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1293324608.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1293324608-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="23" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Oklahoma City Thunder" data-team-id="149" data-meta-a="2-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 27th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">23 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Oklahoma City Thunder <span class="score">2-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">27</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fthunder.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Utah Jazz 110-109, Lost to Orlando Magic 118-107, Lost to New Orleans Pelicans 113-80, Beat the Orlando Magic 108-99</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 at Miami Heat, 1/6/2021 at New Orleans Pelicans, 1/8/2021 at New York Knicks</p>
<p>For anyone not taking the chance to check in on the Oklahoma City Thunder, change that. This team is plenty of fun on a night to night basis and deserves to be watched. There are so many things to check out for this team, especially if you can get past the lingering Al Horford.</p>
<p>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming into his own even more so than he did last season and is looking like the star prospect growing on a tanking team that will continue to open eyes. Luguentz Dort has new confidence as a 3-point gunner and is catnip for defense and hustler junkies.</p>
<p>Isaiah Roby needs more minutes and gets them any time Horford misses a game. Hamidou Diallo seems to be still figuring out what to do with his athleticism but when it works it is a joy. Kenrich Williams may have the most questionable hair in the entire league.</p>
<p>Aleksej Pokusevski looks like a baby deer mixed with a horror movie monster and may not make many shots but you will remember watching him gallop up and down the court. Theo Maledon simply should have been a first-round pick. This team will not win many games but they should be watched by more people. They will have some of the most pleasant losses you could ask for.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 22 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-412755" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2048,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1266512163.jpeg" alt="Memphis Grizzlies" width="3200" height="2048" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1266512163.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1266512163-768x492.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="22" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Memphis Grizzlies" data-team-id="211" data-meta-a="2-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 23rd" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">22 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Memphis Grizzlies <span class="score">2-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">23</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fgrizzlies.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat/OT Brooklyn Nets 116-111, Lost to Boston Celtics 126-107, Beat Charlotte Hornets 108-93</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 1/5/2021 vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 1/7/2021 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 1/8/2021 vs. Brooklyn Nets</p>
<p>The involuntary tank may officially be on. There is no doubt the Memphis Grizzlies would have traded their first win of the season to reverse the injury that will keep second-year star Ja Morant out of the lineup for the next three to five weeks.</p>
<p>The win against the Brooklyn Nets feels good nonetheless but it may be a flash in the pan. The Grizzlies will be able to get wins against some of the lower-tier teams (as they did to end the week beating the Charlotte Hornets) but they were a fringe play-in team if they were going to be fully healthy.</p>
<p>With Morant, Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Justice Winslow (arguably their three best players) missing extended amounts of time, catching up in this Western Conference seems impossible.</p>
<p>Regardless, there are fun things to embrace about Memphis. Desmond Bane looks like a steal so far, even if he only maxes out as a talented role player. Tyus Jones is getting the chance to show what he can do filling in for Morant. Jonas Valanciunas and Dillon Brooks have been solid. Even Kyle Anderson had a career night this week. It is time to embrace the fun for this team and hope the youth they are missing can come back.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 21 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419846" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2370,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1230384945.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2370" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230384945.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230384945-768x569.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="21" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Minnesota Timberwolves" data-team-id="86" data-meta-a="2-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 14th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">21 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Minnesota Timberwolves <span class="score">2-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">14</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Ftimberwolves.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Los Angeles Lakers 127-91, Lost to LA Clippers 124-101, Lost to the Washington Wizards 130-109</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. Denver Nuggets, 1/5/2021 at Denver Nuggets, 1/7/2021 at Portland Trail Blazers, 1/9/2021 vs. San Antonio Spurs</p>
<p>The Minnesota Timberwolves are quickly facing the same issue that befell them last year. When Karl-Anthony Towns is out of the lineup, they are hard-pressed to secure any wins.</p>
<p>They dropped all three games this week by an average margin of 26.7 points. Yes, some of this is to be expected when you are going against the two contenders from Los Angeles. The drubbing by the Washington Wizards, however, is wholly unforgivable.</p>
<p>Simply put, D’Angelo Russell needs to be better. He is a former All-Star. With Towns out should be able to produce in a way that would at least keep the team in games. Not only is Minnesota missing Towns but the loss of Josh Okogie is being felt in a way many on the outside aren’t likely comprehending. He brings a toughness to the team that is missing when he is gone. Naz Reid does some of that but is now forced into a role he is not suited for with Towns out.</p>
<p>To be a little more positive, Anthony Edwards is everything the team could have asked for and has quashed many of the doubts draftniks had about him coming into this season. He is a win for this team and should give them hope for the future. Just not quite the immediate future.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 20 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419847" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2242,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1293946047.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2242" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293946047.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293946047-768x538.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="20" data-rank-type="team" data-name="New York Knicks" data-team-id="27" data-meta-a="3-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 28th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">20 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>New York Knicks <span class="score">3-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">28</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fknicks.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat Milwaukee Bucks 130-110, Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 95-86, Lost to Toronto Raptors 100-83, Beat the Indiana Pacers 106-102</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 at Atlanta Hawks, 1/6/2021 vs. Utah Jazz, 1/8/2021 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder</p>
<p>New York Knicks, playoff contender decimator? While it is still so early in the season, it is hard to imagine the Knicks getting wins against one of the hottest teams in the league as well as the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers at any point in the season, let alone over a six-day span. They were a Toronto Raptors get-right game away from an undefeated week. What is happening?</p>
<p>Tom Thibodeau getting something out of Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton and RJ Barrett seems to be that something. Randle struggled against the front line of the Pacers but has otherwise looked like the offensive threat the team was hoping to get when they lavished him with a lucrative contract two summers ago.</p>
<p>Payton has been the clear answer at point guard for a team begging for one with rookie Immanuel Quickley missing time. Barrett especially looked impressive on Saturday with 25 points on 4-of-5 shooting from deep. If he can string more games like that together, he may be realizing the potential that had him go number three overall in the 2019 Draft.</p>
<p>The fact that this team is getting wins without their top draft pick, Obi Toppin, is somewhat mystifying. It does not seem like they should be taking these games but they end up walking away with a comfortable W. Check back next week to see if things start making more sense.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 19 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419849" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1066,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1294198136.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1066" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294198136.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294198136-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="19" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Sacramento Kings" data-team-id="84" data-meta-a="3-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 13th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">19 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Sacramento Kings <span class="score">3-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">13</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fkings.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Phoenix Suns 116-100, Beat Denver Nuggets 125-115, Lost to Houston Rockets 122-119, Lost to the Houston Rockets 102-94</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 at Golden State Warriors, 1/6/2021 vs. Chicago Bulls, 1/8/2021 vs. Toronto Raptors, 1/2021 vs. Portland Trail Blazers</p>
<p>The Sacramento Kings came back down to earth over the last two games after dropping a pair to the Houston Rockets but fans of the team should hold their head high. There is something here. While that may not result in a playoff berth this season, Sacramento appears at least back on track.</p>
<p>If not for an unfortunate injury to Tyrese Haliburton, the entire Kings’ young core would be continuing to share the floor and they finally seem to fit. De’Aaron Fox needs to improve his efficiency but he is asked to do quite a bit so missing some shots can be forgiven. Buddy Hield clearly feels more comfortable back in his starting role. He will not get nearly enough mention, but Richaun Holmes is an essential part of this team. He creates so many extra possession by dominating the offensive glass.</p>
<p>It is easier to talk about the gaudy scoring numbers of the aforementioned guards or appreciate the fact that Marvin Bagley III has been healthy to start the season. Keep doing just that. Holmes will continue to pull additional chances at points out of nowhere for his teammates and keep on hustling.</p>
<p>It is tough to say Luke Walton does not deserve credit but often times it feels like this team is winning in spite of their leading voice, not because of him. Time will tell how real this early season averageness is. But for now the Kings are quite fun.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 18 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-409180" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2392,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1269569283.jpeg" alt="Orlando Magic" width="3200" height="2392" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1269569283.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1269569283-768x574.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="18" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Orlando Magic" data-team-id="38" data-meta-a="4-2" data-meta-b="Previous: 19th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">18 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Orlando Magic <span class="score">4-2</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">19</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fmagic.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat the Washington Wizards 120-113, Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 118-107, Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 116-92, Lost to Oklahoma City Thunder 108-99</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 1/5/2021 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 1/8/2021 at Houston Rockets, 1/9/2021 at Dallas Mavericks</p>
<p>The Orlando Magic were due for a lull and hit it with a two-game skid to end the week. The first loss could be forgiven because they were going up against a superior Philadelphia 76ers group and missing Terrence Ross. Evan Fournier’s injury early on only poured salt in the wound.</p>
<p>Despite the two losses, Orlando is clearly better than the pundits projected. Steve Clifford is employing a more fast-paced offense and his guards, in particular, are benefitting from it. If you can ignore the lack of a jump shot, Markelle Fultz has been a revelation and it looks like the Magic made the right bet giving him a contract extension.</p>
<p>Rookie Cole Anthony finished the week on a sour note but has been super solid off the bench so far. The amount that the team relies on the bench production of Terrence Ross is mildly alarming, to say the least, but he may have been the best reserve in the league thus far. He is a gunner and at times carried them on his back to wins, hitting bomb after bomb to extend leads.</p>
<p>Losing Fournier and rookie Chuma Okeke over the course of a couple of days is a rough beat for the team. Hopefully the former is able to get his back spasms in order quickly for the team to get back on track.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 17 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419852" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1293381634.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293381634.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293381634-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="17" data-rank-type="team" data-name="San Antonio Spurs" data-team-id="29" data-meta-a="2-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 15th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">17 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>San Antonio Spurs <span class="score">2-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">15</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fspurs.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to New Orleans Pelicans 98-95, Lost to Los Angeles Lakers 121-107, Lost to the Los Angeles 109-103</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. Utah Jazz, 1/5/2021 at LA Clippers, 1/7/2021 at Los Angeles Lakers, 1/9/2021 at Minnesota Timberwolves</p>
<p>The San Antonio Spurs were unable to grab a win this week but they have generated more in positive impressions than a win would have garnered them. This team plays a fun brand of basketball and they already feel much more competitive than was to be expected.</p>
<p>The young players have been fun to follow to this point. Dejounte Murray and Derrick White feel like the backcourt of the future. Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV pop off the screen with highlight plays that allude to the promise of more.</p>
<p>Even some of the veterans have been promising. DeMar DeRozan has already made seven 3-pointers this season. He made nine total last season. If this is the type of trend that continues, the Spurs will likely be judging the trade market before long.</p>
<p>DeRozan, and to a lesser extent, LaMarcus Aldridge are expiring contracts. If they are to be productive for an extended period of time, this rebuild could be faster than expected.</p>
<p>Despite these revelations, the biggest point of the week was Becky Hammon finally getting her moment to be the head coach after Gregg Popovich was ejected against the Los Angeles Lakers. She has more than earned this opportunity and this is hopefully the next step into her being named a head coach in full during the next offseason. Any franchise would be lucky to have her directing their future.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 16 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419854" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1142,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1230399986.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1142" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230399986.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230399986-768x548.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="16" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Cleveland Cavaliers" data-team-id="156" data-meta-a="4-2" data-meta-b="Previous: 25th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">16 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Cleveland Cavaliers <span class="score">4-2</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">25</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fcavaliers.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat Philadelphia 76ers 118-94, Lost to New York Knicks 95-86, Lost to Indiana Pacers 119-99, Beat Atlanta Hawks 96-91</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 at Orlando Magic, 1/6/2021 at Orlando Magic, 1/7/2021 at Memphis Grizzlies, 1/9/2021 at Milwaukee Bucks</p>
<p>Are the Cleveland Cavaliers legitimately good? Many were thrown off the scent after back-to-back losses against the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. Forget about that for a second.</p>
<p>The Cavs have handed losses this week to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks, two of the hottest teams in the league. Much of this has to be attributed to the clear leaps made by the backcourt, the affectionately nicknamed SexLand. Collin Sexton in particular has come out demanding apologies from those who doubted him. Through six games he is averaging 26.0 points (10th in the league), 3.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game. Darius Garland is the maestro passer this offense needed and is doing just enough to get things done.</p>
<p>Kevin Love getting injured would have been a negative in years past. For a team with far too many big bodies, it might be a blessing in disguise. This team needs to play Larry Nance Jr. more. Andre Drummond is doing what he always does, leading the league in rebounding with a staggering 14.2 per game.</p>
<p>There was always going to be one of the perennial bottom feeders popping with a chance to make a push for the play-in. So far the Cleveland Cavaliers look more than up to that challenge.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 15 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419855" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1467,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1230322334.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1467" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230322334.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230322334-768x704.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="15" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Dallas Mavericks" data-team-id="79" data-meta-a="2-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 21st" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">15 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Dallas Mavericks <span class="score">2-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">21</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fmavericks.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat LA Clippers 124-73, Lost to Charlotte Hornets 118-99, Beat Miami Heat 93-83</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 at Chicago Bulls, 1/4/2021 at Houston Rockets, 1/7/2021 at Denver Nuggets, 1/9/2021 vs. Orlando Magic</p>
<p>What a confusing week for a team most fans consider to be really good. The Dallas Mavericks got their first win of the season in stunning fashion, pantsing the LA Clippers to the tune of a 51-point domination that did not even feel that close.</p>
<p>Dallas seemed to be getting things on track and were back to their stellar offensive ways. So of course they turned around and lost by 19 points to the Charlotte Hornets. They finished the week with a strong defensive effort against the Miami Heat.</p>
<p>Nothing about the season so far for Dallas is what was expected, save for perhaps the dominance of Luka Doncic. While his production is certainly down from last year, his scoring has carried this team. It took him until the fifth game of the season to get his first double-double but Dallas is still figuring itself out.</p>
<p>If nothing else, Doncic getting back to the mean in terms of 3-point shooting would go a long way for the Mavericks. He has never been strong in that area, boasting a career mark of 31.7 percent on 7.9 attempts per game. That looks like Steph Curry compared to his season average of 16.1 percent. At least Josh Richardson and Maxi Kleber have looked good.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 14 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-418678" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1291870531.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1291870531.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1291870531-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="14" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Houston Rockets" data-team-id="169" data-meta-a="2-2" data-meta-b="Previous: 17th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">14 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Houston Rockets <span class="score">2-2</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">17</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Frockets.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Denver Nuggets 124-111, Beat the Sacramento Kings 122-119, Beat the Sacramento Kings 102-92</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 vs. Dallas Mavericks, 1/6/2021 at Indiana Pacers, 1/8/2021 vs. Orlando Magic</p>
<p>Prepare yourselves for the weirdest, most unexpected run to the MVP the league has ever seen. James Harden seemingly torpedoed the Houston Rockets’ chances at any level of success, came into the preseason looking like he had stuffed his shirt with pillows and then proceeded to be the offensive dynamo we have come to expect. Then with him sitting out with an ankle injury, his teammates still took it to the Sacramento Kings to end the week.</p>
<p>Christian Wood is playing like a man ready to enter the All-Star conversation. He has been a true delight for the NBA fans finally taking notice of him (his numbers look startlingly equal to his productivity in Detroit after Andre Drummond left town) and he seems on track to make his first All-Star game. Finally given the chance to thrive on a playoff hopeful squad, Wood is destroying expectations early.</p>
<p>In the most pleasant story of the young season, John Wall looks like John Wall. In his first game in years, he posted a line of 22 points, nine assists and six rebounds while taking turns with Harden feeding the aforementioned big man. Then with Harden out, he took it a step further, going off for 28 points, six assists, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks to lead his team to a win.</p>
<p>There is no telling how long any or all of these fun stories will last. Houston still feels like a team on the brink of something league altering. But until then, just enjoy the fun of one of the greatest scoring talents ever, a blossoming young star and the return of another.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 13 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419856" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1291489512.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1291489512.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1291489512-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="13" data-rank-type="team" data-name="New Orleans Pelicans" data-team-id="69" data-meta-a="4-2" data-meta-b="Previous: 16th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">13 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>New Orleans Pelicans <span class="score">4-2</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">16</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fpelicans.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat San Antonio Spurs 98-95, Lost to Phoenix Suns 111-86, Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 113-80, Beat Toronto Raptors 120-116</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 vs. Indiana Pacers, 1/6/2021 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 1/8/2021 vs. Charlotte Hornets</p>
<p>For a team that has yet to look really fluid to start the season, the New Orleans Pelicans are still banking wins that will come in handy when they actually figure it out. Ignore the borderline malicious headlines body-shaming Zion Williamson. He has been available and devastating to opponents and will be an All-Star this year.</p>
<p>Brandon Ingram has picked up where he left off last year and will likely be making a return to the list of the league’s best. The Steven Adams fit is still bizarre but that is an okay issue to have at this point. It would be nice to see JJ Reddick get on track but you can trust the veteran to figure it out with time.</p>
<p>As the team continues to get Eric Bledsoe and Lonzo Ball involved more, they only become more threatening. The Pelicans have multiple defenders who can hound opponents and then either throw full-court lobs to one of the most earth-shattering forces going or set it up to take advantage of a blossoming, do-everything scorer.</p>
<p>Something is brewing in the Big Easy. The roster is a befuddling fit but the talent in the starting lineup is clear. If Ingram and Williamson remain available, they will oftentimes be enough to overwhelm anyone guarding them. That is a good start for any young team.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 12 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419857" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2351,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1230311676.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2351" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230311676.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230311676-768x564.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="12" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Utah Jazz" data-team-id="118" data-meta-a="3-2" data-meta-b="Previous: 9th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">12 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Utah Jazz <span class="score">3-2</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">9</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fjazz.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 110-109, Lost to Phoenix Suns 106-95, Beat the LA Clippers 106-100</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 at San Antonio Spurs, 1/5/2021 at Brooklyn Nets, 1/6/2021 at New York Knicks, 1/8/2021 at Milwaukee Bucks</p>
<p>The Utah Jazz continue to be fine if unimpressive. They barely squeaked past a clearly less talented Oklahoma City Thunder team and were rushed off the floor by the rising Phoenix Suns. Just when many would want to begin to worry about the week they had, Utah secured a win over the LA Clippers.</p>
<p>The Jazz are simply still finding themselves. Donovan Mitchell is highly inefficient to start the season which is one of the more slept on narratives of the season. It is easy to criticize the composure of the team having been built around a center in the modern-day. However, the pressure falls equally on Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic for their inefficient start to the season.</p>
<p>Beyond that, the Jazz will have better weeks than this. They will eventually build up their win total and Mitchell should round into form. For now, however, the roster leaves plenty to be desired. Gobert has been very good to start the season, as is expected. Mike Conley seems to be on a revenge tour this season.</p>
<p>If only they could figure out the bench beyond the suddenly well-paid Jordan Clarkson. Derrick Favors and Joe Ingles have been fine yet uninspired. Georges Niang is less so and then the drop-off is drastic.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 11 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419859" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2224,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1230365495.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2224" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230365495.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230365495-768x534.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="11" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Indiana Pacers" data-team-id="100" data-meta-a="4-2" data-meta-b="Previous: 8th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">11 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Indiana Pacers <span class="score">4-2</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">8</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fpacers.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat Boston Celtics 108-107, Lost to Boston Celtics 116-111, Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 119-99, Lost to the New York Knicks 106-102</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 at New Orleans Pelicans, 1/6/2021 vs. Houston Rockets, 1/9/2021 vs. Phoenix Suns</p>
<p>There was plenty to be positive about this week for the Indiana Pacers and then the news came out about the indefinite injury absence of T.J. Warren. For a team looking to truly be benefitting from a change in leadership, losing one of their most effective scorers is a brutal blow.</p>
<p>So far this season Victor Oladipo has looked significantly better than the player who made the trip to the bubble. Domantas Sabonis is out to prove some talking heads wrong that his previous All-Star selection was anything other than truly deserved. Any shot within the gravitational pull of Myles Turner has been volleyball spiked into oblivion. Malcolm Brogdon is the definition of efficient. And yet the injury to Warren hangs over the team like a funeral pall.</p>
<p>This team has never quite been at full strength at any point over the last three years and this injury truly sets them back. They will continue to be competitive but they need all hands on deck to truly have a chance at pushing the contenders.</p>
<p>Making the week even worse is finishing it with a loss to the awkwardly feisty New York Knicks. After beating the Boston Celtics to start the week, the Pacers looked primed to shut up all naysayers. Hopefully, this injury does not derail that trajectory.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 10 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419860" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1294160581.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294160581.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294160581-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="10" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Boston Celtics" data-team-id="18" data-meta-a="3-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 7th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">10 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Boston Celtics <span class="score">3-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">7</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fceltics.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Indiana Pacers 108-107, Beat Indiana Pacers 1116-111, Beat Memphis Grizzlies 126-107, Lost to Detroit Pistons 96-93</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 at Detroit Pistons, 1/4/2021 at Toronto Raptors, 1/6/2021 at Miami Heat, 1/8/2021 vs. Washington Wizards</p>
<p>The past week has been a mixed bag for the Boston Celtics, even beyond the fact that they split their four games. They dropped the first game against the Indiana Pacers without Victor Oladipo in the fold. That outing was followed up with beating a fully loaded Pacers squad, handing them their first loss of the season.</p>
<p>Against the Memphis Grizzlies, it quickly turned into the Jaylen Brown show. He dropped a blistering 42 points on the short-handed Grizz. Brown is the focus of this week for this section. He has clearly taken a step forward this season as the secondary scorer without Kemba Walker in the lineup. The fact that he is able to be the primary offensive weapon on nights that Jayson Tatum doesn’t have it going is essential to Boston’s success.</p>
<p>Far from a finished project, the Celtics seem to be a team in need of a move of sorts over the course of this season. Walker’s eventual return will be key to tying the roster together but they need more.</p>
<p>Tristan Thompson is great on the glass most times but was obliterated by Mason Plumlee and Isaiah Stewart against the Pistons. Peyton Pritchard is going to be a fan favorite for his tenacity but his current important role off the bench for this team is telling of their lack of depth.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 9 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419861" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1293779405.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293779405.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293779405-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="9" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Miami Heat" data-team-id="110" data-meta-a="2-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 6th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">9 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Miami Heat <span class="score">2-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">6</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fheat.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Milwaukee Bucks 144-97, Beat Milwaukee Bucks 119-108, Lost to Dallas Mavericks 93-83</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 1/6/2021 vs. Boston Celtics, 1/9/2021 at Washington Wizards</p>
<p>Jimmy Butler missed two of the three games this week so everything about the Miami Heat should be reviewed with that in mind. The loss against the Milwaukee Bucks was borderline unwatchable. The win felt like it was them getting back on track but still unimpressive outside of the team they beat.</p>
<p>The offense this season is disjointed but that is to be expected for a team on this short of turnaround and not led by the greatest player of all time. Bam Adebayo has continued his All-Star ways but everyone else is hit or miss. Tyler Herro goes from having 21 points and 15 rebounds against the Bucks to struggling with 11 points against the Mavericks.</p>
<p>Give this team time. They are tinkering with the roster and know full well that the regular season matters only for getting a good seed in the playoffs. Keep an eye on the development of Precious Achiuwa. He is the quintessential Heat player and will be a fixture in this roster throughout the season.</p>
<p>Duncan Robinson is still a flamethrower from deep. Goran Dragic is having a nice bounce back after his injury cost him the majority of his time in the Finals. Like many of the teams contending, the regular season may look messier than reality.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 8 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419862" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2298,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1294163446.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2298" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294163446.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294163446-768x552.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="8" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Los Angeles Clippers" data-team-id="77" data-meta-a="4-2" data-meta-b="Previous: 3rd" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">8 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Los Angeles Clippers <span class="score">4-2</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">3</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fclippers.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Dallas Mavericks 124-73, Beat Minnesota Timberwolves 124-101, Beat Portland Trail Blazers 128-105, Lost to the Utah Jazz 106-100</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 at Phoenix Suns, 1/5/2021 vs. San Antonio Spurs, 1/6/2021 at Golden State Warriors, 1/8/2021 at Golden State Warriors</p>
<p>It is quite a challenge to be positive about the LA Clippers. Sure, they have impressive victories over the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers. They also lost by 51 points to the Dallas Mavericks and again to the Utah Jazz to end the week.</p>
<p>While some other teams can be afforded time to figure things out and be forgiven for inconsistencies, the Clippers have painted themselves into a corner with their mouths. Yes, the loss to the Mavs came without Kawhi Leonard but let’s be real. The fact that they did not narrow the gap in the second half (instead it even grew by a point) is telling. The team seems to lack something.</p>
<p>After a season last year where they at times looked dominant, at others looked disjointed and ultimately ended with disappointment, the NBA at large was hoping to see something different. This Clippers team looks to be much the same that they were last year. They have overwhelming talent on the surface.</p>
<p>Luke Kennard will not get talked about enough, but his playmaking is worthy of attention and might be the best in that regard for this team. Paul George will look like a former MVP candidate on some nights and it will be hard to see him at all in others. It will be impossible for NBA Twitter to unseen whatever that mask that Kawhi Leonard donned was.</p>
<p>This is likely too scathing of a review for a team with championship potential, especially given some of the other odd losses taken by other teams. Such is the burden of expectations unmet.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 7 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419863" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1360,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1293498975.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1360" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293498975.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293498975-768x653.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="7" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Portland Trail Blazers" data-team-id="34" data-meta-a="3-2" data-meta-b="Previous: 10th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">7 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Portland Trail Blazers <span class="score">3-2</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">10</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Ftrailblazers.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat Los Angeles Lakers 115-107, Lost to LA Clippers 128-105, Beat the Golden State Warriors 123-98</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 at Golden State Warriors, 1/5/2021 vs. Chicago Bulls, 1/7/2021 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 1/9/2021 at Sacramento Kings</p>
<p>The Portland Trail Blazers seem to have only figured out one side of the ball so far. As expected, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are explosive scorers and there are few teams who can keep up with them alone.</p>
<p>The defense is a whole other issue. Derrick Jones Jr. has been a noticeable positive on that side of the court so far, which should tell you all you need to know. The rest of the roster needs to be at least passable for them to eventually have a chance at title contention. Robert Covington has the potential to right some of those wrongs but has not been a picture of consistency in this short season.</p>
<p>A win against the reigning champions does plenty good, however. Just ask the LA Clippers, who saw a noticeable bump last week after a similar victory. The Los Angeles Lakers look nigh unbeatable on most nights so the fact that the Blazers were able to upend them semi-comfortably is noteworthy.</p>
<p>On a sour note, the continued Zach Collins injury saga is such a bummer. The potential is clear for the young big man but following another surgery (this time a revision on a previous stress fracture) his days in Rip City may be numbered. He is out indefinitely and only appeared in 11 games a season ago.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 6 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419864" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1095,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1293545824.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1095" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293545824.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293545824-768x526.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="6" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Atlanta Hawks" data-team-id="125" data-meta-a="4-2" data-meta-b="Previous: 12th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">6 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Atlanta Hawks <span class="score">4-2</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">12</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fhawks.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat Detroit Pistons 128-120, Lost to Brooklyn Nets 145-141, Beat Brooklyn Nets 114-96, Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers 96-91</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 vs. New York Knicks, 1/6/2021 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 1/9/2021 at Charlotte Hornets</p>
<p>Despite blowing a 15-point second-half lead, the Atlanta Hawks are undoubtedly on the rise. They have not had their full complement thus far this season and are already one of the most enjoyable and promising teams to watch.</p>
<p>The loss against the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the week is an early contender for game of the year and the team answered back with a comfortable 18-point victory. Trae Young has taken a step as an offensive player, impressive for a guy who made the All-Star in his second season a year ago. De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish are noticeably more comfortable this season and are proving to be vital weapons for the Hawks. John Collins is a nightly problem.</p>
<p>This team has barely played Rajon Rondo and Danilo Gallinari and has yet to get Onyeka Okongwu on the court. Solomon Hill, Kevin Huerter and Bogdan Bogdanovic have carried the load admirably off the pine and help complete one of the most tantalizing offensive attacks in the entire league.</p>
<p>Defense will be scarce in the games Atlanta plays but they are also borderline unguardable at the other end. At least during the regular season, this ascension is not a mirage. The Hawks are here and they are ready.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 5 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419865" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1293778955.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293778955.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293778955-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="5" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Milwaukee Bucks" data-team-id="89" data-meta-a="3-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 4th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">5 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Milwaukee Bucks <span class="score">3-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">4</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fbucks.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to New York Knicks 130-110, Beat Miami Heat 144-97, Lost to Miami Heat 119-108, Beat Chicago Bulls 126-96</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 vs. Detroit Pistons, 1/6/2021 vs. Detroit Pistons, 1/8/2021 vs. Utah Jazz, 1/9/2021 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers</p>
<p>The Milwaukee Bucks were all over the place this week. They were one of the early jokes of the week, falling to the New York Knicks by 20 points. The box score is not lying, the Bucks were not sitting anyone. They were just not up to the task of competing against one of the worst teams in the league.</p>
<p>Bouncing back in a major way, Milwaukee unloaded months of frustration on a Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat. They were so lethal from 3-point range (record-breaking to be exact) that the national television provider flexed away from the game mid contest.</p>
<p>The Bucks made short work of their conference rival and many fans were unable to witness the carnage. Dropping the second game against the Heat is almost forgettable after such a dominant showing. They finished off the week taking care of business against the hapless Chicago Bulls.</p>
<p>The Bucks are clearly very good and have integrated the new pieces well. There are still hiccups and coaching questions but ultimately those will not be answered until June. More games like the bludgeoning against the Heat will come and the Bucks will be a constant around the top rung of this list.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 4 </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><p><img class="size-full wp-image-419866" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1294076112.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294076112.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294076112-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"></p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="4" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Brooklyn Nets" data-team-id="147" data-meta-a="3-3" data-meta-b="Previous: 2nd" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">4 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Brooklyn Nets <span class="score">3-3</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">2</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fnets.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Charlotte Hornets 106-104, Lost/OT to Memphis Grizzlies 116-110, Beat Atlanta Hawks 145-141, Lost to the Atlanta Hawks 114-96</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. Washington Wizards, 1/5/2021 vs. Utah Jazz, 1/7/2021 vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 1/8/2021 at Memphis Grizzlies</p>
<p>So the 72-0 takes may have been a little over-reactionary, huh? A 1-3 week is less than ideal and dropping games against non-playoff teams make it even worse. While the win against the Atlanta Hawks was one of the most entertaining games across the league this week, the Nets cannot feel nearly as good as they did the week ago.</p>
<p>The Nets’ depth suddenly looks worse with a season-ending injury to Spencer Dinwiddie bumping all of the role players up a peg in the rotation. The bench unit was a fun watch, allowing them to out-talent most other reserve cores.</p>
<p>Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot has moved into the starting lineup and has been effective. Jarrett Allen has been rather impressive after not inking a contract extension. But the team is certainly thinner than they were a week ago.</p>
<p>No matter the records, Brooklyn has a claim to being the most talented team in the league when healthy. Kevin Durant hasn’t lost a step and is devastatingly smooth on offense. Kyrie Irving is embracing his role as a secondary option thus far. For fans of good basketball, here is to a fuller lineup on a more regular basis.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 3 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419867" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1293694794.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293694794.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293694794-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="3" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Phoenix Suns" data-team-id="66" data-meta-a="5-1" data-meta-b="Previous: 11th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">3 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Phoenix Suns <span class="score">5-1</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">11</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Fsuns.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat Sacramento Kings 116-100, Beat New Orleans Pelicans 111-86, Beat Utah Jazz 106-95, Beat the Denver Nuggets 106-103</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. LA Clippers, 1/6/2021 vs. Toronto Raptors, 1/8/2021 at Detroit Pistons, 1/9/2021 at Indiana Pacers</p>
<p>After a close loss to end the week against the Sacramento Kings, there were some questions about the Phoenix Suns. They answered those questions this week. Phoenix avenged that loss against the Kings the following day and then made quick work of the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz before squeaking past the Nuggets.</p>
<p>They will have too much for many teams to handle on most nights. Devin Booker will find himself in the MVP conversations this season and looks like a different leader than a season ago. Chris Paul does not have to blow up the stat sheet (though he does that frequently) to impact the game. He is carrying over his league-altering clutch production and forming this team into one that cannot be counted on to fade away.</p>
<p>This ranking goes beyond the stars, however. Cam Johnson and Cameron Payne have posted one of the league’s best net ratings in the young season as a bench duo. Mikal Bridges has grown increasingly comfortable in his role and will surprise many an unsuspecting foe. Jevon Carter is a problem on the defensive end. Watch out if he continues to make shots.</p>
<p>The Phoenix Suns are for real. This is not just reacting to offseason signings. The production on the court is equally exciting to this point.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 2 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419869" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1143,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1294221466.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1143" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294221466.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1294221466-768x549.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="2" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Philadelphia 76ers" data-team-id="93" data-meta-a="5-1" data-meta-b="Previous: 5th" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">2 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Philadelphia 76ers <span class="score">5-1</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">5</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2F76ers.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers 118-94, Beat Toronto Raptors, 100-93, Beat Orlando Magic 116-92, Beat Charlotte Hornets 127-112</p>
<p>This Week: 1/4/2021 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 1/6/2021 vs. Washington Wizards, 1/7/2021 at Brooklyn Nets, 1/9/2021 vs. Denver Nuggets</p>
<p>Make all the jokes you want about Joel Embiid in a hazmat suit or Ben Simmons finally hitting a 3-pointer. Doing so only misses the point that the Philadelphia 76ers are surging and look to be the team that everyone expected them to be last season.</p>
<p>As disheartening as the loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers was at the time, it was downright palatable after seeing some of the other spreads this week. They then rattled off their next three wins against Eastern Conference playoffs hopefuls by a combined 46 points.</p>
<p>It is funny what just a little shooting will do for a team. Seth Curry has thus far provided more than just a little shooting. He has been downright impressive in terms of overall scoring and has opened things up for everyone on the roster to get better looks. Even the zombified Danny Green came alive on Saturday night with 13 points and three triples.</p>
<p>There is so much to love about this team and it starts with leadership from the front office, head coach and star players. The 76ers are carrying themselves differently this season and seem to have taken the unceremonious end to their bubble experience personally. That is bad news for whatever playoff hopefuls stand in their way as they continue to build their chemistry.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 1 </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-419870" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2415,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1293548858.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2415" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293548858.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1293548858-768x580.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)</p>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Rank" data-rank="1" data-rank-type="team" data-name="Los Angeles Lakers" data-team-id="20" data-meta-a="4-2" data-meta-b="Previous: 1st" data-inner-content=""> <div class="power-ranking remove-native-227"> <div class="order">1 </div> <div class="power-head"> <h3>Los Angeles Lakers <span class="score">4-2</span> </h3> <h4> <span class="last-rank-title">Last rank: </span><span class="last-rank-info">1</span> </h4> </div> <div class="power-logo"> <img src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_75,h_75,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.fansided.com%2Flogos%2Fnba%2Flakers.png"> </div> </div>
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<p>Last Week: Beat Minnesota Timberwolves 127-91, Lost to Portland Trail Blazers 115-107, Beat San Antonio Spurs 121-107, Beat the San Antonio Spurs 109-103</p>
<p>This Week: 1/3/2021 at Memphis Grizzlies, 1/5/2021 at Memphis Grizzlies, 1/7/2021 vs. San Antonio Spurs, 1/8/2021 vs. Chicago Bulls</p>
<p>Nothing to see here. Just the reigning NBA champions carrying their dominance into the next season. Yeah, there was a hiccup against a Portland Trail Blazers team motivated to get some measure of revenge against the team that eliminated them from the playoffs last season.</p>
<p>Otherwise, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to take care of business. Anthony Davis sat out against the Timberwolves and the team rolled. Six Lakers finished in double figures and Marc Gasol seemed to be finding his role. More importantly, over the course of the week, Kyle Kuzma has made it clear that he is also more comfortable in his role than he was over the course of the regular season last year.</p>
<p>When Davis does play, he has been staking his case to be called the best player in the world. He is dominant on both ends of the floor and posts eye-popping numbers. For example, he dropped 34 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals against the San Antonio Spurs while shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from distance.</p>
<p>The fact that we have gotten this far without talking about LeBron James is telling. This team is the cream of the crop. Unless there is an injury to one of LA’s top two players, it is hard to imagine them being bumped from this spot.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Best Hall of Famer from each franchise" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2019/09/05/best-basketball-hall-fame-inductee-nba-franchise/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/03/nba-power-rankings-week-2-the-rise-of-the-atlanta-hawks/"https://hoopshabit.com/2019/09/05/best-basketball-hall-fame-inductee-nba-franchise/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Best Hall of Famer from each franchise </a> </div>
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