Power Rankings: Week 22

Alright, the playoff picture for both conferences is almost set. With the exception of a few teams, Atlanta, Boston, Denver, and Utah mostly, the playoff portrait is finished. Teams like Memphis, Houston, and now definitely New Orleans are out. They all fought hard, had to deal with injuries, off the court shenanigans, and played in a tougher conference. If all three of those teams were in the East, they would be playing in late April.

I almost feel like my power rankings don’t even matter anymore. It all comes down to the playoffs. But hey, I enjoy doing this.

Let’s get to the Power Rankings through The Ref’s eyes:

Biggest Gain: San Antonio/Miami (+3)
Biggest Loss: Oklahoma City (-4)

1.Cleveland (58-16) Besides the loss against San Antonio, the Cavs are flying high and looking great heading into the playoffs. However, the question still lingers: Can Mike Brown coach this team to a championship?
2.LA Lakers (54-19) Phil Jackson was pretty upset about their no show against OKC on Friday night, and I would be too. His future depends on the team’s success in the playoffs. Therefore, I don’t think he will return.
3.Orlando (52-22) You want to talk about a team that is firing on all cylinders entering the playoffs. The Magic are 12-2 in March.
4.Utah (48-26) Nice little run there to get some easy victories against the lesser East teams, but you have to beat Indiana regardless if you are away or not. The Jazz have to be better than that.
5.Dallas (48-25) If I was Dallas, I would be scared because nobody wants to play the Spurs in the first round. They do not have the toughness to go against the experience and grittiness.
6.Phoenix (47-26) Winners of 7 in a row and continually playing amazingly well behind Amare’s stellar play. Also, I can’t stress it enough, but this team’s defense is what makes the Suns dangerous. Oh, and they have a guy named Steve Nash.
7.Boston (47-26) The C’s could have really made a statement against the Spurs, but no, they’re still not good and it’s mostly Doc Rivers’ fault.
8.Denver (48-26) This team can literally get swept in the first round or win the title. I don’t know what’s more ridiculous to pick. The Nuggets have lost 4 out of their last 5 and seem to have no fight. If it wasn’t for Toronto’s meltdown, the team would have lost 5 in a row.
9.Atlanta (47-26) Well Josh Smith, you have done it again. Two game winning dunks in one year. That is insanely impressive and amazing. You can’t get gain more momentum than that.
10.San Antonio (44-28) The Spurs are looking like the team of old. They are scary and Tony Parker isn’t even playing. When he comes back, the opposition has both Parker and George Hill to tend with. Also, what has gotten into Manu?
11.Portland (45-29) The Blazers won’t beat LA, but you better believe that Roy and Co. will give them everything they can handle. I can see it even being a seven game series.
12. Milwaukee (40-32) I hope people realize that Brandon Jennings should win the ROY. The Bucks would not be there without him. He is very similar to Derrick Rose of last year.
13.Oklahoma City (44-28) The Thunder are squandering under the pressure of the surrounding teams in the West. Don’t look now, but by the end of the week, they will be the 8th seed.
14.Miami (40-34) Another team that has woken up. However, this was quite unexpected. Out of the remaining 5 team decent teams, I thought they would be the ones out. Don’t ever underestimate Dwyane Wade. Nightmares Never Sleep.
15.Charlotte (38-34) The Bobcats are a solid team and have improved on the road. They are 9-9 since starting 2-17. Sadly though, I see them losing in the first round quite quietly.
16.Memphis (38-35) The Grizzlies have fought hard and looked really good at times. It just wasn’t enough. They will improve and be back next year. Hopefully, they won’t start 1-7.
17.Chicago (35-38) I can’t believe this team is in the playoff hunt. I thought they were done when Rose, Noah, and Deng all went down with injury. Now, with two of them back, they have a great shot, and with Toronto collapsing, it is almost inevitable.
18.Houston (36-36) The Rockets need to hit the chalk board for next year. Since the Kevin Martin trade, this team has played extremely well and beat the best, yet at the same time, looked extremely horrible and have lost against the sloths.
19.Toronto (35-37) I cannot bestow my disappoint in this team on paper. Ever since Bosh went down, the entire city went with him. It’s scary how bad this team got in such a short period of time. Again my disgust cannot be portrayed with writing.
20.New Orleans (34-40) Chris Paul said he would come back no matter what. He stayed to his word which means a lot to the fans and players. Solid guy
21.Indiana (27-47) Holy S*** Danny Granger, where have you been all season. You are just now starting to play like you did last year. Why? What are you trying to prove?
22.LA Clippers (27-46) I am starting to wonder how much better Blake Griffin will make this team next season. He will be well rested and full of vigor. He could totally revitalize the franchise. But then again, they are the Clippers.
23.New York (26-46) Let’s go Knicks, we have to win out to give the Jazz the best chance at a bad pick. Watch, they’ll get the number 2 pick anyway.
24.Philadelphia (26-47) G most pulling the little hair he has left on his head with the Philly’s winning. Talk about winning, where did that performance come from against Atlanta. They were balanced, poised, and together.
25.Sacramento (24-50) Does this injury to Tyreke Evans help or hurt his chances at the ROY crown. It helps a lot. They are terrible without him. Well they were always terrible, but you know what I mean.
26.Golden State (21-51) The third and final ROY candidate has cooled off of late. Well, this is mostly due to his two game injury. Quite the opposite of Evans, this hurts his chances.
27.Detroit (23-50) I love that the Pistons are terrible and Ben Gordon goes against his old team this week where he is only averaging 10 ppg while shooting 33% from the floor. Way to prove’ em wrong Ben.
28.Washington (21-51) Losers of 15 straight. Oh ooo. If the Nets win a game this week and the Wizards keep on losing, we can see NJ take their spot. Oh wait, they play each other on Sunday. Yes.
29.New Jersey (9-64) See above.
30.Minnesota (14-60) If this team didn’t win 4 in a row, they would be in the same boat as New Jersey. However, they did beat the Nets twice this year.

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