Even the NBA's best teams aren't immune to a bad week. The top three clubs in last week's Power Rankings (Boston, San Antonio and Detroit) each lost two games. Meanwhile, the Lakers and Mavs managed to go unscathed as the Western Conference race continues to get more intriguing by the day.
The Mavs, in particular, seem to be regaining some of their swagger after a lackluster start (at least for them) to the season. Led by reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki, who has picked up his play of late, they had won seven straight through Sunday to tie Phoenix for the West's best record (26-11). Facing a relatively soft schedule this week, Dallas should be able to stay hot and build on the momentum.
This week's high riser: Mavs (No. 2 from 6) and Bobcats (No. 24 from 28)
This week's big drop: Spurs (No. 6 from 2) and Magic (No. 17 from 13)
| NBA Power Rankings |
| 1 |
1 |
 |
Losses to the Bobcats and Wizards last week have brought them back to earth and quieted talk of 70 wins -- at least for now. But they still tied the 1959-60 team for the best start in franchise history, and they still own the NBA's best record by far. |
| 2 |
6 |
 |
OK, so maybe they needed a Jerry Stackhouse three-pointer at the horn to beat the Clippers on Saturday. The bottom line is that they are healthy, their defense has tightened up (last 10 foes under 100 points) and they are playing their best ball of the season -- as the Pistons found out last week. |
| 3 |
3 |
 |
We're tempted to punish them severely for Sunday's 24-point loss at New York, but we'll give them a mulligan since it was their fourth game in five nights. But those recent losses to the Celtics and Mavs showed they still have work to do, even if they were impressive in last Thursday's win at San Antonio. |
| 4 |
4 |
 |
Sunday's victory at Houston was their 10th in the last 12 games and improved their road record to 15-5, already matching last year's win total away from home. Now Chris Paul & Co. play a stretch of five straight and seven of eight in New Orleans. |
| 5 |
5 |
 |
They beat Memphis on Sunday to run their win streak to a season-high six and notch their 16th victory in their last 19 games. But the status of center Andrew Bynum, who sprained his left knee, is a big concern as they get set for a rugged upcoming portion of the schedule (beginning Thursday, they'll face the Suns, Nuggets, Spurs and Mavs in a four-game stretch). |
| 6 |
2 |
 |
They certainly aren't panicking after last week's setbacks to the Warriors and Pistons, but the fact is they are just 7-8 since starting the season 17-3. At least they're starting to get healthy again, as Brent Barry (left calf) hopes to be back for Monday's meeting with the Sixers. |
| 7 |
7 |
 |
So much for Grant Hill making it through a season injury-free. The oft-injured forward will miss at least another two weeks after having to undergo an emergency appendectomy. Of course, the Suns' bigger concern right now is their team chemistry and why nobody in the locker room seems to be having any fun. |
| 8 |
8 |
 |
Brandon Roy says he understands if he doesn't make the All-Star team. But if his team keeps going like it has been of late (17 victories in its last 19 games), he won't have to worry. Even in the crowded West backcourt, the coaches will find room for the second-year standout. |
| 9 |
9 |
 |
Baron Davis had 34 points, six rebounds, 14 assists and zero turnovers in last Monday's OT win over the Spurs, their second triumph over the defending champs this season. Meanwhile, Sunday's victory against Indiana left them six games above .500 this late in the season for the first time since 1993-94. |
| 10 |
10 |
 |
Their thoughts have been with Nenê, who has taken an indefinite leave of absence for a "personal health issue." On the court, they've won seven of their last nine games, and Anthony Carter (21 points, 11 assists in last Friday's win against the Magic) has been one of the Nuggets' unsung heroes. |
|
1 of 3
