NBA power rankings: Who's on top as Suns, Cavs move way up, T-Wolves, Knicks fall back?

NBA power rankings: Who’s on top as Suns, Cavs move way up, T-Wolves, Knicks fall back?

Posted by Admin November 4, 2024 NBA

The NBA enters its first week of November of the 2024-25 season with changes in The Republic’s latest NBA Top 5 power rankings through Sunday’s games.

Suffered their first loss of the season to the Indiana Pacers in overtime, but the Celtics remain the league’s top team. Still not defending at the level they did last season in allowing 112 points a game. Expect them to start tightening up this month.

One of two unbeaten teams left. Unlike Boston and everyone else, OKC is the only team allowing under 100 points this season. The Thunder have yet to beat a team that currently has a winning record, though. The rematch at Denver should be a tougher test.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (7-0)

Can’t be kept out of the top five any longer. Cleveland’s past four wins are impressive: the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks. Withstood Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard combining for 75 points in latest victory.

That near collapse Saturday in edging Portland almost kept them from climbing into the top five, but they have matched a franchise record for the best start through six games. Devin Booker is averaging 33.6 points and committed just five total turnovers in the past three games.

5. Los Angeles Lakers (4-2)

Their two losses are to Phoenix and Cleveland. The Lakers could end up going 3-2 on the current road trip as they face Detroit and Memphis. Anthony Davis is putting up monstrous MVP-type numbers – 31.8 points on 57.3% shooting,12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game.

Teams 6-10

New York Knicks (3-2) – Karl-Anthony Towns posted four straight double-doubles that included a 44-point, 13-rebound effort in a road win over the Miami Heat.

Dallas Mavericks (4-2) – Klay Thompson is 9-of-32 from 3 in his past four games. It’s early, but still.

Golden State Warriors (5-1) – What’s more surprising? The 5-1 start or that they’re 3-0 without injured Stephen Curry (ankle)? Buddy Hield cooking from 3 in Curry’s absence – 17-of-33 in the past three games.

Memphis Grizzlies (4-3) – Must-see matchup Wednesday against the Lakers.

Minnesota Timberwolves (3-3) – Can’t drop them out of the top 10 just yet even after losing by 10 to the San Antonio Spurs in a game Keldon Johnson scored 25 points in 29 minutes on them.

Fell out of 6-10: Orlando Magic (3-4).

Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.

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