The Oklahoma City Thunder showed a little kink in their armor when they lost to the Washington Wizards, but prior to that, the team had won seven games in a row. They are still the top dog in the Western Conference, but the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets all made big pushes up, as they went undefeated for the week. Injuries are starting to add up for many of the teams, and they will have an impact on the standings come the end of the season.
Here are the results for week 4:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (13-3) Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are both in the top ten in scoring in the NBA. As long as Durant, Westbrook and James Harden stay healthy, they are the team to beat. The Thunder had a hiccup against the Wizards and have little bench support, but it doesn’t seem to matter.
2. Denver Nuggets (12-5) The Nuggets have won 6 games in a row, as a different player seems to step up each night. It could be Corey Brewer, Al Harrington, Andre Miller, Nene Hilario, Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari, or Timofey Mozgov, which makes it difficult for other teams to defend. They lead the NBA in points and assists per game.
3. Utah Jazz (10-5) The Jazz had a big win over the Clippers to move up in the rankings. C.J. Miles has averaged 18 points over the last 3 games, and the team has won 11 of their last 13. They are a real surprise early this season.
4. Dallas Mavericks (10-7) The Mavs had a tough schedule last week, losing to the Lakers and Clippers, but all four of their games were won or lost by less than four points. Their magic number seems to be 90. They are 9-0 when holding opponents under 90, and 1-6 when opponents score over 90.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (10-8) The Lakers have lost their last 3 games. Kobe Bryant is averaging 24.6 shots in his last 5 games, but needs to learn he can’t win every game by himself. The Lakers are last in the NBA in three point shooting percentage, and are not getting much help off the bench.
6. Los Angeles Clippers (9-5) The Clippers have allowed fewer than 100 points in all 9 wins, and over 100 points in all 5 losses. Mo Williams has averaged over 25 points in the last 3 games, since coming back from a foot injury, and DeAndre Jordan has averaged 12 rebounds in the last 3 games. They have a very tough six-game schedule coming up.
7. Memphis Grizzlies (9-6) The Grizzlies have won 6 games in a row. In addition to Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol stepping up their games, Mike Conley has averaged 18.5 points and 8.8 assists, and Marreese Speights has averaged 10 rebounds over the last 4 games.
8. Houston Rockets (9-7) The Rockets have also won 6 games in a row, with big wins over the Blazers and Spurs. Kevin Martin has averaged over 25 points in four of the last five games. Samuel Dalembert has averaged 15.3 points and 10 rebounds in his last 4 games. They have a favorable schedule next week.
9. San Antonio Spurs (10-7) The Spurs had a rough week, losing 3 of 4 games. It’s a team effort with the Spurs. Their second leading scorer is averaging 12.6 points per game, and their eighth leading scorer is averaging 7.5 points per game. They have given up an average of 108.3 points in their 6 road losses.
10. Portland Trail Blazers (9-7) The Blazers two losses were by three points each. LaMarcus Aldridge continues to lead the team, averaging season highs in points (23.3) and rebounds (8.8). They really need Nicolas Batum, Raymond Felton, Jamal Crawford, or Wesley Matthews to be more consistent. They have lost 5 of their last 7 games, but have a pretty favorable schedule this week.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves (7-9) Minnesota won 3 games in a row, ending with a big win over the Clippers. Ricky Rubio can do it all; averaging 11 points, 8.3 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game. In 5 of their 7 wins, they have held opponents to under 90 points. They have a tough schedule coming up.
12. Phoenix Suns (6-9) The Suns snapped a 5 game losing streak, and have won their last two on the road. Steve Nash has upped his game, and is leading the team in points (14.8) and assists (10.0). Marcin Gortat is also playing well, averaging a double-double, but the team still needs a third scorer, and much better rebounding.
13. Sacramento Kings (6-11) The Kings won back-to-back games for the first time this season, but are still giving up more points than any other team in the NBA. This team needs a leader, and more scoring consistency by almost all the players. Tyreke Evans is trying to do more than score, by averaging 6.8 assists, and 7.3 rebounds over the last 4 games.
14. Golden State Warriors (5-10) David Lee is one of the best unknown players in the NBA, averaging 19.8 points and 11.0 rebounds in the last 5 games. Dorrell Wright has averaged 13.6 points in the last 5 games. Their average wins have been by 9 points, but their average losses have been by 10.2 points.
15. New Orleans Hornets (3-13) Jarrett Jack is doing what he can to make up for the injured Eric Gordon (21 PPG) by averaging 20.2 points in the last 5 games. The team still ranks 28th in the NBA, averaging just 86.4 points per game. Emeka Okafur has averaged 12.3 rebounds over the last 3 games. The team has lost 8 in a row, and might continue to lose until they get Gordon back.
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