Story Created:
Feb 8, 2010
Story Updated:
Feb 8, 2010
1. Cleveland Cavs
Is King James the closest thing to Wilt? After LeBron scored 47 points, including 24 straight, against the Knicks, he said: “I could really go for 50 a lot of nights if I wanted to. But I feel like if I have my teammates involved, it’s ultimately going to help us in the long run.” Last week: 1.
2. Los Angeles Lakers.
When a sprained ankle sidelined Kobe Bryant, two streaks ended: Playing in 235 consecutive games and not winning in Portland since Feb. 23, 2005. With Bryant out, Ron Artest goes over 20 points for first time in 42 games. Last week: 2
3. Denver Nuggets
In four games against the Jazz, Ty Lawson has averaged 14.5 points, 4 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Not bad for 18th pick, and seventh point guard, of last year’s draft. Last week: 3
4. Orlando Magic
After a disastrous January, in which he shot 28 percent from the field, Vince Carter is showing signs of life. In three games this month he is averaging 19.3 points. Last week: 4.
5. Atlanta Hawks
Think defense isn’t the key? They are 14-0 when allowing 90 points or fewer this season. Last week: 5.
6 Utah Jazz
Andrei Kirilenko’s last bad game (7.points, 3 rebounds, 1 assists) was against Denver on Jan. 17. When was the team’s last loss? You got it. Last week: 6.
7. Phoenix Suns
Change at center has made dramatic difference. The new combination of starter Robin Lopez and Channing Frye averaged 24.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks over 10 games. Last week: 13
8. Dallas Mavericks
Owner Mark Cuban nailed it when he said “We suck right now.” Only win in last five games came against pathetic Golden State. Said coach Rick Carlisle: We need to dig down and fine some pride.” Last week: 7.
9. Boston Celtics
Some of these guys make The Who look like spring chickens. They are 1-7 combined against Orlando and Atlanta, two of the top four teams in the East. Last week: 8.
10. Oklahoma City.
Russell Westbrook’s line against the Warriors: 21 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 8 steals. Only downside is he shoots 40 percent from the field. Last week: 9
11. San Antonio Spurs
Have started 2-1 on eight-game road trip, but wins were against hapless Kings and Clippers. They blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter in Portland. Last week: 10
12. Portland Trail Blazers
Injuries are finally catching up to them. Losers of five out of their last eight are 6-7 since Brandon Roy went down. Sore hamstring forces team’s best player to miss All-Star game. Last week: 11.
13. Toronto Raptors
In last six games Chris Bosh is averaging 28.0 points and 13.8 rebounds “I said coming into this season that I want to be the best forward in the league and I was going to have to be consistent, try to play every game. So far it's been pretty good. Last week: 14.
14. Houston Rockets
In last five games Aaron Brooks is averaging 27 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds. Should he replace injured Brandon Roy on the All-Star team? Last week: NR.
15. New Orleans Hornets
As if anybody cares about basketball right now in the Big Easy? Last week: 15.
