Power Rankings: Week 10

How can I explain this week without using illicit material to express my emotions. Gilbert Arenas is firing out shots because Tim Donaghy decided to give Javaris Crittenton better inside information. Vinny Del Negro finds out a way to defeat Mount Vesuvius for the time being. The LeBron hate continues as the Cavs look indestructible until they lose to Charlotte… at HOME. The Bobcats are 3-14 away from home. How do you lose? The Hawks have lost all elite status mentions due to their embarrassing week. How can you allow Nate Robinson to drop 41 when he has been sitting on the bench for a month? The Heat are lost… once again.

I could continue, but there is a whole new year in front of us. Happy New Year everybody, and let’s enjoy this week’s Power Rankings through The Ref’s eyes.

Biggest Gain: San Antonio (+6)
Biggest Loss:Atlanta (-5)

1. LA Lakers (26-6) 3 Buzzer beaters and complete dominance in the West by Kobe Bryant is enough for me to put the Lakers on top. However, how will the team react with Pau Gasol out again?
2. Cleveland (27-8) After a shocking loss to Charlotte at home, I can’t take away from their dominant road trip. They showed everybody they can stick with the Lakers and win on the road. Smells like a champion to me.
3. Portland (22-13) Brandon Roy’s leadership puts him up there with LeBron and Kobe in the MVP talk, but what puts him above the aforementioned: Who is his right-hand man? It is rare to see a two-guard make his teammates better as B-Roy does.
4. Orlando (24-9) The addition of Matt Barnes to the starting lineup adds another dimension to the offense for an already deadly Magic team, specifically from the outside. Barnes is shooting 43% from beyond the arc. Losing to the Bulls is unacceptable though.
5.Dallas (23-10) The Lakers embarrassed the Mavs last night in a blowout loss. A huge difference from the last time they played in LA, where they shocked the Lakers. Besides that, the Mavs are playing well and have a big showdown with the Spurs this week.
6.San Antonio (20-12) After winning 8 out of their last 10, they lose to the Raptors, and Tim Duncan didn’t start that game. I am confused. The Spurs will need to rebound to beat the Mavs in a big Texas showdown.
7.Boston (24-8) 2-3 with Paul Pierce out, and Kevin Garnett’s injury is more serious than initially reported. How will be the C’s respond with going on the road against Miami, Atlanta, and Toronto?
8.Denver (21-12) Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony come back this week and it’s just in the ‘Nick of Time’. The Nuggets play Cleveland this week in a classic Melo vs. LeBron match up that Anthony usually wins. They’ll need it, they are 2-6 with Billups out of the lineup.
9.Houston (20-14) Aaron Brooks continues to impress. He is averaging 21 points and 7 assists a game in his last 10. He consistently leads his team and reminds me of a mix between Isiah Thomas and Mugsy Bogues. Chuck Hayes as the center is also a pleasant surprise. He is a beast on the boards.
10.Oklahoma City (18-15) Could have really made a statement by winning 6 in row for the first time since 2003, but a loss to the Bucks on the road illustrates the misled youth weaknesses. Kevin Durant is slowly crawling up the MVP ladder with his sick month. 32 points and 8 rebounds a game in the month of holiday cheer.
11.Phoenix (21-13) The Suns are in trouble. Losers of 3 out their last 5 at home and a 7-10 record since their amazing 14-3 start, and if you need more evidence, the 23 point loss at home against the Grizz should paint a clear portrait.
12.Atlanta (21-11) Atlanta went 0-3 last week including a 4th quarter meltdown to the Knicks at home…again. The Hawks will not be mentioned with the Celtics, Magic, and Cavaliers for the rest of the season.
13.Memphis (16-16) A coming out party for the young and exciting Grizzlies against Phoenix on Saturday night, and Zach Randolph looks phenomenal. 20 and 11 on the season thus far while shooting 51% from the floor. Amazing!
14.Utah (18-15) The Jazz have hit a rough spot again. 5 straight losses against teams with .500 records and better. Their road record is still not playoff worthy (6-10), yet still find themselves tied for the 8th spot in the West. Carlos Boozer has been absent lately.
15.Miami (16-15) The Heat should have another team meeting, because they look lost, and how long will it be for another Dwyane Wade blow up. He must be on the fritz by now.
16.Toronto (17-18) Winners of 6 out of their last 7 including victories over New Orleans and San Antonio to put them in solid position to rival the Heat for the fifth spot in the East.
17.New Orleans (15-16) Can’t do it yet again, but now their one game under .500 compared to two. Chris Paul is playing terrific, but it is the re-emergence of David West that gives this team the boost they need. He averaged 12 ppg in the first 11 games of the season (3-8).
18.Chicago (14-17) After the Bulls threatened to fire Vinny Del Negro, the Bulls win 4 in a row including a masterful performance by Derrick Rose against the Magic (30 pts. 7 asts. 6 rebs.). Let’s see what happens in the future.
19.New York (14-20) The Knicks lose to the Nets, but then respond admirably by going into Atlanta (again) and beating them in OT behind an miraculous output by Nate Robinson (41 pts. 8 asts.). The Knicks look to continue their winning ways by getting better each week.
20.LA Clippers (14-18) Nice win against a re-energized Philly team after a tough road loss against Portland, this team is quiet, which is rare in LA, but it may pan out perfectly when Blake Griffin returns at the end of the month.
21.Charlotte (13-18) 2-0 on the road in 2010, what a resolution! They shock the Cavs after beating a struggling Heat team in the same week. Wow, I am eager to see if this trend continues.
22.Milwaukee (13-18) I can’t believe I am going to say this. Michael Redd’s DEFENSE, yes not offense, his DEFENSE led the Bucks to victory against the Thunder in a must win game. They were falling fast and without a safety net before this win.
23.Sacramento (14-19) I don’t care how the Kings finish off in the standings or even record wise, Paul Westphal is Coach of the Year. Kevin Martin hurt the development of the team, but Tyreke Evans is the Kings, and when he is out, you are supposed to lose. They are not.
24.Philadelphia (10-23) Lou Williams is that big of player for the Sixers, he is a leader, proven scorer, and a team favorite. He is was what makes this team go around.
25.Indiana (10-23) Is last night’s loss to the Knicks any indication of how much the Pacers are terrible without Danny Granger or what?
26.Detroit (11-21) Full squad and still can’t find a way to win. They can’t even find the bottom of the net. The Pistons amass only 91 ppg. Ill. Losers of 8 in a row.
27.Golden State (9-23) Don Nelson’s health is a metaphor for this team’s performance. On some days his body works properly. Other days, he can’t control his functions.
28.Minnesota (7-28) Losers of 4 in a row including a blowout loss to the Lowly Pacers. No excuse for that.
29.Washington (10-21) Agent Zero acts like Agent 007, but not as smooth. His actions not only hurt himself but his team. Wait, maybe not, without Arenas, Earl Boykins will start and there will be one less player to want the ball. I am rethinking my placing of this team in the Power Rankings. Shoot for the Stars baby.
30.New Jersey (3-30) First to 30 losses but they beat New York and looked impressive against Cleveland. Maybe there is one bright spot in New Jersey.

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