Power Rankings: Week 15

It’s all-star time and some teams can’t wait to get there, while others just want to keep on rolling. Impressive win by the Lakers the other night against a depleted Portland team. The Jazz are the hottest team in the NBA and are almost unstoppable at home.

The Grizzlies return to Earth after their short period in a place they don’t belong: in the playoffs. I think where every team is right now is how it’s going to be during playoff time. The only team I see getting out is Miami. They are blowing up fast and I don’t know how much more Dwyane Wade can take it. Talking about blowing up, the Celtics and Spurs are done. Either have NO shot at winning the championship.

Ray Allen needs to get traded.

Anyway, let’s get to the Power Rankings through the Ref’s eyes!

Biggest Gain: Phoenix, Oklahoma City (+5)
Biggest Loss: New Orleans (-5)

1.Cleveland (41-11) The Cavs are on a roll. 11 wins in a row, and they are just coasting to not only the All-Star Game, but to home court advantage.
2.Denver (34-17) The Nuggets dominated the Lakers so badly that Kobe had to finally say to himself, “Enough is enough, I need to rest.”
3.LA Lakers (39-13) Impressive victory over Portland with no Kobe and Pau Gasol playing terribly. If Shannon Brown can play like that off the bench consistently, game over. Title goes to LA. I don’t care how good the Cavs are playing.
4.Utah (31-18) 8-game winning streak, and no sign of slowing down. You want to know the secret: they’re healthy for the first time this year.
5.Orlando (34-17) With owning both Boston and Atlanta, they are the only team that can contend with the Cavs. However, Vince Carter will only take them as far as he can take himself.
6.Atlanta (32-17) The Hawks are playing well, but need a rest. Thank God, the all-star break is coming because I feel they are going to tumble…again.
7.Oklahoma City (29-21) The 5th best road team in the league and 5-game winning streak continue to prove the doubters wrong. For 2 reasons: 1. they are going to make the playoffs and 2, can make it to the second round.
8.Boston (32-17) Please trade Ray Allen, Bench Rasheed Wallace, and rest Kevin Garnett. Oh, and fire Doc Rivers, then the team will be in a better state.
9.Dallas (31-19) Where is MVP Dirk? It was so awesome to watch him play in the beginning of the year. Now he truly is Dirk the Jerk.
10.Toronto (28-23) Since December 16, the Raptors are 15-6. That’s second best…behind the Cavs.
11.Phoenix (31-21) Yes, the Suns won 2 games this week, and they did look good. However, Amare Stoudemire is ripping this team from the inside out. It’s only matter of time until they are with the Grizzlies, Hornets, and Rockets competing for the 8th spot.
12.San Antonio (29-20) The Spurs are lost and I don’t think they can find themselves in time. They are good enough to make the playoffs, but getting out of the first round of the playoffs: out of the picture.
13.Portland (30-23) I don’t have much to say about the Trailblazers. We all know the story. Just keep fighting. We all admire what you are doing.
14.Houston (27-23) Thank God for NBA League Pass! I knew Aaron Brooks was good, but after watching a few games. He is awesome. What an old school player. It’s too bad though, he can’t get any help.
15.New Orleans (27-24) The Hornets’ front court is the only way they can stay in the playoff hunt. They went 1-2 this week, but that victory at Charlotte just shows they can win big games.
16.Memphis (26-24) The Grizz had to come down from the stratosphere eventually. They were playing way above their head, and after the all-star break, a nice road trip awaits. Their 8-17 away from Memphis… ouch.
17.Chicago (24-25) With Derrick Rose playing well, and a starting lineup that works. The Bulls franchise needs to realize that Vinny Del Negro will not take them anywhere.
18.Milwaukee (23-26) The Bucks are back. Andrew Bogut is healthy and Brandon Jennings is playing like a true point guard. It’s like a repeating myself after their 8-3 start.
19.Charlotte (24-25) 3 losses this week including 2 on the road. They are a flash in the pan. They’ll make the playoffs, but won’t go anywhere.
20.Miami (24-27) The Heat are bound to implode. Erick Spoelstra cannot contain or please Dwyane Wade. The sad thing is, he’s a good coach, but simply can’t supply The Flash with ample speed.
21.Philadelphia (19-31) 4-game winning streak and against decent clubs. The Sixers are like an organized mess. When they’re organized, they can play with anybody, but when their a mess, the Nets can beat them… in a series.
22.LA Clippers (21-29) Dunleavy is gone. It seemed like good news, until they lost by 25 to the Spurs at home. Oh, Clippers.
23.Minnesota (13-38) 4-game winning streak due to Al Jefferson finally being healthy. It’s about time. I can’t wait until Love-Al start taking over games.
24.New York (19-31) The Knicks are still trying to find their groove and rebuild for another run at the playoffs. Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous, but I still believe they have it in them. David Lee just needs to get over that he is not in the All-Star Game.
25.Washington (17-32) I may tryout for the team this week since their entire roster is on the trading block. It’s sad, because they have a good coach and solid players. Everyone is just worrying about their own agenda.
26.Indiana (18-33) The Danny Grangers are healthy with Danny Granger carrying the Danny Grangers. Too bad, that Danny Granger doesn’t have any Danny Grangers to support him…Danny Granger.
27.Sacramento (16-34) Does anyone remember that this team was 13-14 and fighting for a playoff spot at one point?
28.Golden State (13-36) 8-game losing streak and their last win was against the Nets. Oh, and how can you waste a 46 point performance by Monta Ellis? I watched that game. He couldn’t do anymore than he did.
29.Detroit (17-32) The Pistons have no identity and I would be so ticked off if they win the John Wall lottery. That is the last place I want to see him play.
30.New Jersey (4-46) Is there a more symbolistic way to illustrate the struggles of a season when your best player runs into his own teammate?

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