Power Rankings: Week 8

The NBA can unwrap a lot of surprises to fans, media, and probably to the players themselves. Brandon Roy and Chris Paul are now entering the MVP talk with stellar performances. They are making big shots in big time games to put their teams in place for a playoff run. The Eastern Conference can’t even stay with the West, and I even find that a surprise to an extent since I thought they would improve. Right now, if the season ended today, Milwaukee (11-14), Toronto (13-17), and Detroit (11-16) would make the playoffs. It’s almost upsetting when you look at the West and 5 teams, yes 5 teams have a better winning percentage than the listed above, and are out of the playoffs going all the way down to Memphis. The only thing I can give those teams for Christmas is a favorable Power Ranking, like that means something, but it’s the thought that counts.

Anyway, without further ado ladies and gentlemen, Week 8 Power Rankings through the Ref’s eyes:

Biggest Gain:Portland (+6)
Biggest Loss:Detroit (-7)

1. LA Lakers (22-4) The Lakers go on their first road trip and win 4 straight, pretty impressive for a team that has been living at home for the past month and a half. How about Kobe Bryant though. Was there ever a question on who is the best player in the world? Ahem, LeBron, I can’t hear you…
2. Boston (21-5) What’s interesting about the Celtics is not that they have a better road record (12-1 compared to 9-4 at home), it’s the teams they lose to: Indiana and Philadelphia. Almost like brain fart losses.
3. Dallas (20-8) Just when I was thinking Dirk Nowitzki can’t look anymore valuable, the Mavericks beat a healthy and surging Cleveland team with the help from the road warrior himself: Tim Thomas. I think JB and I are still the only people on the planet that like the guy.
4. Orlando (20-7) Some teams just have your number, the Miami Heat beaten them twice now. This time convincingly, but it still does not deter that they’re one of the best teams in league with the deepest bench and best big man in the league.
5. Cleveland (20-8) Oh oooo. The LeBrons lost to Dallas without Dirk the Jerk, and now have to go on the road against 10-0 Phoenix, 10-3 Sacramento, & 15-2 LA Lakers on Christmas. I foresee a dropping in the rankings for the Cavs.
6. Phoenix (18-9) Even though the Blazing Suns are 4-6 after starting 14-3, they are the best home team at 10-0 and have played the most road games. Now with 9 of their next 11 at US Airways Arena, and the two road games are against Golden State and Sacramento, Christmas couldn’t have come sooner.
7. Portland (17-12) After the NBAtoday.net crew labeled the Trailblazers’ troubles, Brandon Roy averages 29 pts, 6 rebs, & 6 asts in a four game stint in which they beat Sacramento, Miami, and Phoenix to earn themselves: Team of the Week.
8. Denver (19-9) Losers of two in row against teams they are definitely better than. George Karl staying true to his style, yet he has the audacity say players can’t get focused for games against teams like New Orleans (L) & Memphis (L). Last time I checked, that’s your job.
9. Houston (16-11) If you ever had any doubt of the Rockets toughness, here you go: 3-2 this week with wins against Detroit, @Dallas, and Oklahoma City with injury troubles to Tracy McGrady (again), Chase Budinger, and Carl Landry. They just find ways to win. It’s almost inspiring.
10.Atlanta (19-7) With losses against the Knicks, Chicago, Charlotte, and New Orleans, this team just proved they do not belong with the NBA elite. At least there is a logical reason for this: Josh Smith averaged 10 points per game and 33% from the floor in those games.
11.Utah (16-11) Even though the Jazz went 2-1 on the road this week to improve their record to 5-7, they lost to Minnesota at home. Absolutely no excuse for that. On a brighter side, Deron Williams is my player of the month thus far.
12.San Antonio (14-10) I am convinced, the Spurs are playing silent assassin now. They are going to improve their record slowly by beating the Clippers, Portland, and Milwaukee this week and no one is going to notice. Shhhh… the Spurs are coming.
13.Miami (13-12) The Heat crack me up. They destroy playoff teams like Toronto and Orlando, but get crushed by Memphis (a 28 point loss). But you now wasn’t isn’t funny, Michael Beasley has arrived: 21 points and 8 rebounds a game in 7 out of his last 9.
14. Oklahoma City (13-13) Tough Schedule for the young Thunder. After going 1-4 this week against the NBA’s Elite, they still have @LA Lakers, & @Phoenix in a back-to-back this week: the two best home teams in the league. Good Luck.
15. LA Clippers (12-14) The Clippers are playing well, showing everybody they can both win at home (7-8) and on the road (5-6). Impressive stuff from LA’s other team and the New Year is right around the corner for Mr. Blake Griffin’s return.
16. Milwaukee (11-14) The Bucks are 3-11 since their hot 8-3 start including heartbreaking losses to Portland, Orlando, LA Lakers, and Sacramento. Losing to the Kings at home really put a damper on this teams morale, Sacramento is 2-11 on the road. Ouch.
17. New Orleans (12-14) Chris Paul may have had a bad game against Toronto last night, but dishing put 12+ assists in 7 straight including a 30 point 19 assist, & 9 rebound night against Denver (W). I feel honored just to watch him play.
18. Memphis (12-15) Zach Randolph’s performance (32 points & 24 rebound) last night against Denver (W) has not been done since Kevin Garnett achieved the similar 5 years ago. It also illustrates that one of four Grizzlies can beat almost any team on any given night: Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, Marc Gasol, and the aforementioned, Mr. Randolph.
19. Toronto (13-17) Here is the Raptors in a nutshell: When they hold teams under 100 points:10-1; when the allow more than 100: 3-16.
20. Sacramento (12-14) This team’s youth is extremely evident on the road where they are an abysmal 2-11, but the Arco Arena still is one of the hardest places to play. The Kings are 10-3 at home.
21. Chicago (10-15) The Bulls showed some signs of life this week by beating an improved Knicks team, Atlanta, and giving the Lakers more than anybody perceived possible. Chicago now has a chance to build upon something as their next 5 games are against teams with a below .500 record.
22. Detroit (11-16) Couldn’t say none of the NBAtoday.net staff didn’t see this coming. The Pistons lose 4 straight after winning 5 in a row. You still have to admire their will to come out on play hard every night.
23. New York (10-17) The Knicks are 7-3 in their last 10 including legit wins against Atlanta, Portland, and Phoenix. New York’s team is also 6-3 when Nate has warmed up the bench. Can’t argue with winning, especially in New York.
24. Charlotte (10-16) I have to say one thing about the Bobcats: 1-12 on the road.
25. Indiana (9-16) Winners of two in a row with Roy Hibbert and rookie Tyler Hansborough playing to establish a young front court for a franchise that is desperately trying to rebuild from the Artest dilemma 5 years prior.
26. Washington (8-17) As Shooter always says, good teams find a way to win close games. Therefore, the Wizards are terrible - 8 losses by 4 points or less this season already.
27. Philadelphia (7-20) 2-2 this week including a victory at Boston to show the City of Brotherly Love some light. However, the Sixers go on 6 game road with Denver, Portland, and Utah on the list.
28. Golden State (7-19) This team may not be able to stop anybody, but they are by far the most exciting terrible team I have ever seen. Seriously, I enjoy watching the ball club play. Never boring.
29. Minnesota (5-23) Big win at Utah this week with Al Jefferson playing like he should. The T-Wolves have beaten the Jazz twice this year. Some teams just match up well against others.
30.New Jersey (2-26) If the Nets lose the rest of their games this year, and acquire at least two big acquisitions, the Nets can finish 2 games under .500 and still set the record for biggest turnaround. That’s the only thing I can give this team.

This is The Ref signaling I’m out until next time and remember: We miss calls, you miss lay ups.