This week is the starting of the NBA Cup! And it comes at a momentous time of the NBA season, when many are one way or the other wrestling over primary points like really being excited by watching basketball.
Certain, there are widespread accidents which have individuals wanting to vary the NBA schedule to account for Ja Morant or Chet Holmgren falling out of midair and touchdown on their hips. Or how gamers have change into too good at capturing 3s (or not ok, relying on how the wind is blowing). Or simply the straightforward reality there could be a sport the place some two-way contract gamers want to start out, as a result of in a league of 500 gamers, you solely care about 10 p.c of them.
Maybe all of this stuff are considerations as we open the NBA Cup schedule, a tool that’s right here within the first place as a result of the league wanted to assist some franchises elevate extra banners earlier than the All-Star break. We’re going to strive one thing novel this week at The Athletic NBA Energy Rankings, although. It’s known as the “Say One thing Good Problem.” That’s an actual battle generally, however this could be the appropriate time to implement it as we watch these vibrantly coloured courts on Tuesdays and Fridays,
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Rating the 30 NBA Cup 2024 court docket designs, from backside (Pelicans) to prime
As we go in regards to the order, I’ll try to genuinely promote the sport of basketball via 30 groups. It’s a problem, so I’m positive it’ll go as easily because the rankings.
A reminder: These Energy Rankings gained’t simply rank each group. We’ll retain the tiers that groups will probably be promoted into and relegated out of. There will probably be 5 tiers each week:
- High Contenders – Locked at 5, these are the category of the league
- In a Good Place – Might be one group, might be seven groups.
- The Bubble – To not be confused with Walt Disney World. The center of the pack.
- Not the Tier to Worry – Not enjoying the worst ball within the league, however with plenty of work to do.
- Basement Flooring – Mentioning the rear.
Let’s dive into Week 3 of the Energy Rankings. Win/loss data are via Monday’s video games; statistics are via Sunday.
Tier 1: High Contenders
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (12-0)
Final rating: 2
Within the final week: W at Pelicans, W vs. Warriors, W vs. Nets, W at Bulls
Offensive ranking: 121.3 (first place)
Defensive ranking: 109.9 (ninth place)
Say One thing Good: They haven’t misplaced but!
What an unbelievable begin to coach Kenny Atkinson’s tenure in Ohio. Solely seven groups have ever begun a season 12-0 earlier than the Cavaliers, and of these, solely the 1983 Seattle SuperSonics and 2003 Dallas Mavericks failed to succeed in the NBA Finals. There’s a lot to stay up for, like seeing how lengthy the Cavaliers can hold this up whereas capturing higher than 50 p.c from the sector and 40 p.c from 3 as a group.
2. Golden State Warriors (8-2)
Final rating: 4
Within the final week: W at Celtics, L at Cavaliers, W at Thunder
Offensive ranking: 119.2 (fourth)
Defensive ranking: 107.6 (fourth)
Say One thing Good: They’re deep.
Ten video games into the season, the Warriors are enjoying 13 gamers between 28.3 (Stephen Curry) and 12.4 (Gary Payton II) minutes per sport, with all of these gamers showing in at the very least half of the video games. All however two of the gamers (Kyle Anderson and Kevon Looney) have began at the very least one sport. This could be probably the most Energy in Numbers Warriors group of all.
3. Boston Celtics (9-2)
Final rating: 3
Within the final week: L vs. Warriors, W vs. Nets, W at Bucks
Offensive ranking: 119.4 (third)
Defensive ranking: 108.7 (sixth)
Say One thing Good: This could be the most effective model of Jayson Tatum.
I’m not simply saying that as a result of Tatum topped some checklist final month. By way of 11 video games, Tatum is averaging what can be profession bests in factors (30.5), assists (5.0), steals (1.6), free-throw makes an attempt (9.0) and 3s (4.3). He’s questionable for Tuesday’s sport with an ankle sprain, however it has been a incredible begin for Tatum whereas teammates Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porziņģis have missed time to start the season.
The Thunder misplaced Chet Holmgren to a hip damage however nonetheless have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. (Alonzo Adams / Imagn Photographs)
4. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (9-2)
Final rating: 1
Within the final week: L at Nuggets, W vs. Rockets, L vs. Warriors, W vs. Clippers
Offensive ranking: 114.5 (ninth)
Defensive ranking: 102.6 (first)
Say One thing Good: They’re dedicated to their chaotic type.
Chet Holmgren’s hip damage is devastating; hopefully his restoration goes easily and he can get again onto the court docket with no problems. But when there’s one group that may deal with not having tall individuals on the ground and discover a strategy to excel, it’s the Thunder. Their strain is suffocating, as they common greater than two extra steals per sport than every other group within the league. Oklahoma Metropolis then combines that with a top-five tempo and a bunch of expert gamers who drive greater than every other group within the league. And when all else fails, they will simply make the most of the human Do-It-Your self equipment that’s MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Who wants rebounds, anyway?
5. Phoenix Suns (8-2)
Final rating: 5
Within the final week: W vs. Warmth, W at Mavericks, L vs. Kings
Offensive ranking: 113.0 (thirteenth)
Defensive ranking: 111.0 (twelfth)
Say One thing Good: They’re getting the cling of successful shut video games.
The Suns misplaced in time beyond regulation Sunday in opposition to the Sacramento Kings, their first sport with out Kevin Durant (calf). However of Phoenix’s eight wins, 4 have come by three factors or fewer. In clutch time video games (margin of 5 factors or fewer within the final 5 minutes of regulation or time beyond regulation), the Suns are 7-1, with at the very least two extra wins than every other group within the league.
Tier 2: In a Good Place
6. Denver Nuggets (7-3)
Final rating: 8
Within the final week: W vs. Thunder, W vs. Warmth, W vs. Mavericks
Offensive ranking: 116.9 (sixth)
Defensive ranking: 114.2 (18th)
Say One thing Good: Nikola Jokić is admittedly good.
There are MVP candidates, and there’s Jokić, a three-time MVP winner. The playing cards are stacked in opposition to The Joker much more than normal, and he doesn’t have his favourite lob risk in Aaron Gordon for the remainder of the month due to a calf damage. Irrespective of. Jokic is scoring greater than ever, dropping double-digit assists for the primary time and main the league in rebounds and assists. He even has 10 blocks in 10 video games; Jokic has by no means averaged 1.0 blocks in a season. He’s nice, and the Nuggets want each little bit of it.
7. Houston Rockets (7-4)
Final rating: 10
Within the final week: W vs. Spurs, L at Thunder, W at Pistons, W vs. Wizards
Offensive ranking: 112.6 (sixteenth)
Defensive ranking: 107.2 (third)
Say One thing Good: The protection is stifling.
The Rockets couldn’t do a lot with Gilgeous-Alexander Friday evening, however aside from that, coach Ime Udoka has the fourth-youngest group within the league enjoying stellar protection. Houston is unapologetically bodily, it prioritizes taking away the 3-point line, and Alperen Şengün’s rim safety has improved to start the season.
8. Memphis Grizzlies (7-4)
Final rating: 15
Within the final week: W vs. Lakers, W vs. Wizards, W at Path Blazers
Offensive ranking: 116.8 (seventh)
Defensive ranking: 108.4 (fifth)
Say One thing Good: The angle is again.
I hate that Ja Morant could miss the remainder of November with a hip damage, however earlier than he acquired injured, he made it clear he doesn’t just like the Lakers. Then Memphis turns round, and Zach Edey is mean-mugging former Grizzlies middle Jonas Valančiūnas. And as short-handed because the Grizzlies are, they go into Portland and fully embarrass the Path Blazers. The Grizzlies have been terrible to observe final season as they cycled via 33 gamers, however this season, they’re bringing a vengeance mentality to the health club.
Tier 3: The Bubble
9. Los Angeles Lakers (6-4)
Final rating: 11
Within the final week: L at Grizzlies, W vs. Sixers, W vs. Raptors
Offensive ranking: 117.0 (fifth)
Defensive ranking: 117.5 (twenty sixth)
Say One thing Good: Anthony Davis appears unstoppable.
It’s wild to suppose this is identical Davis who averaged solely 21.8 factors per sport in his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers 4 years in the past. By way of 9 video games, Davis is averaging a career-best 31.2 factors per sport whereas averaging solely 2.2 turnovers per sport. For a participant who goes to the free-throw line as usually as he does, the dearth of giveaways is outstanding, and Davis is capturing a career-best 57.7 p.c from the sector and 35.3 p.c from 3 as properly. It’s one of many highest flooring seen from a 30-point scorer.
Anthony Davis is on a heater. (Rick Osentoski / Imagn Photographs)
10. Minnesota Timberwolves (6-4)
Final rating: 7
Within the final week: W at Bulls, W vs. Path Blazers, L vs. Warmth
Offensive ranking: 115.3 (eighth)
Defensive ranking: 109.7 (seventh)
Say One thing Good: Anthony Edwards can shoot 3s.
Look, I really like watching Anthony Edwards dunk. He shakes issues up as soon as a season. However how are you going to be mad about his alternative of leap shot coming from 3 and coming at such a powerful clip of accuracy? Edwards is making 45.8 p.c of his 11.8 3-point makes an attempt to start the season. For context, Stephen Curry tried 11.8 3s per sport final season and made “solely” 40.8 p.c. I, for one, don’t want a rule change that daunts Edwards from actually capturing like Curry.
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Anthony Edwards has opened the season on a Steph Curry-like capturing streak
11. LA Clippers (6-5)
Final rating: 17
Within the final week: W vs. Sixers, W at Kings, W vs. Raptors, L at Thunder
Offensive ranking: 111.9 (seventeenth)
Defensive ranking: 109.9 (tenth)
Say One thing Good: Norman Powell is a bucket.
I can’t actually say something good a few Clippers protection that went from fourth to tenth in a single evening due to the assault in Oklahoma Metropolis led by Gilgeous-Alexander. However Powell had zero discipline objectives at halftime of Monday evening’s sport. He nonetheless wound up with 31 factors, persevering with a torrid begin to his tenth NBA season. Powell is scoring like one other No. 24 who performed in Inglewood, as he’s as much as 26.0 factors on 52.7 p.c capturing from the sector and he’s getting higher each week.
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Ten Clippers takes after 10 video games: Kawhi will return slowly, Harden’s turnovers and extra
12. Sacramento Kings (6-5)
Final rating: 9
Within the final week: W vs. Raptors, L vs. Clippers, W at Suns, L at Spurs
Offensive ranking: 113.9 (eleventh)
Defensive ranking: 111.4 (thirteenth)
Say One thing Good: The protection is best than anticipated.
The Kings should be robust offensively, they usually’re asking plenty of their three-dimensional offense led by Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox and DeMar DeRozan. However via 11 video games, they’ve been above common defensively regardless of rim safety considerations and a scarcity of depth. DeRozan particularly has picked his spots on steals (1.7 per sport) whereas staying out of foul bother (only one.3 per sport regardless of enjoying 38.2 minutes per sport).
13. Indiana Pacers (5-5)
Final rating: 16
Within the final week: W vs. Magic, L at Hornets, W vs. Knicks
Offensive ranking: 113.7 (twelfth)
Defensive ranking: 117.2 (twenty fifth)
Say One thing Good: Their wins are loud.
The Pacers have had an uneven begin to the season, however they already had wins over the Celtics and Mavericks, after which they grew to become the most recent group to demolish the Knicks protection. The loss at Charlotte appeared like all-time low, because the Pacers have been held to solely 83 factors. However the Tyrese Haliburton who confirmed up in opposition to the Knicks (35 factors, 14 assists) is the All-NBA performer the Pacers must see at the very least as soon as every week, each week.
14. Dallas Mavericks (5-5)
Final rating: 6
Within the final week: W vs. Bulls, L vs. Suns, L at Nuggets
Offensive ranking: 114.2 (tenth)
Defensive ranking: 110.3 (eleventh)
Say One thing Good: Kyrie Irving’s capturing is unbelievable.
Jason Kidd is trying to find lineups that work, particularly with Dallas going via a bunch of frontcourt accidents. However whereas Luka Dončić is off to a messy begin (41.2 p.c discipline objectives, 33.3 p.c 3s), Irving has refused to overlook pictures. By way of 10 video games, Irving has made 55.2 p.c from 3 whereas sustaining his scoring common from final season (25.6 factors).
15. New York Knicks (4-5)
Final rating: 12
Within the final week: L at Hawks, W vs. Bucks, L at Pacers
Offensive ranking: 119.5 (second)
Defensive ranking: 115.5 (twenty first)
Say One thing Good: This offense is highly effective.
We don’t want to debate the protection that has stored the Knicks underneath .500. Let’s deal with how New York is the slowest group within the league, which makes its skill to search out scoring success on the finish of possessions so tough to take care of. Going from Julius Randle to Karl-Anthony Cities has helped New York get a few of the greatest pictures in basketball, as solely three groups have a greater discipline objective proportion. Cities is capturing 53.7 p.c from 3 as properly.
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What’s flawed with the Knicks’ protection and may it’s fastened?
16. Orlando Magic (5-6)
Final rating: 21
Within the final week: L at Pacers, W vs. Pelicans, W vs. Wizards
Offensive ranking: 109.0 (twenty sixth)
Defensive ranking: 106.8 (second)
Say One thing Good: Orlando is Oklahoma Metropolis East defensively.
The lack of Paolo Banchero (indirect) ensures the Magic could have a few of the nastiest video games within the league for the remainder of November. However coach Jamahl Mosley continues to get his younger group to defend on the highest of ranges. The Magic are the one Jap Convention group that’s within the prime 5 within the NBA defensively because the NBA Cup begins. The Magic enable at the very least 3.1 fewer second-chance factors per sport than every other group within the league.
Tier 4: Not the Tier to Worry
17. San Antonio Spurs (5-6)
Final rating: 18
Within the final week: L at Rockets, W vs. Path Blazers, L vs. Jazz, W vs. Kings
Offensive ranking: 109.2 (twenty fourth)
Defensive ranking: 109.8 (eighth)
Say One thing Good: Victor Wembanyama’s protection is even higher.
Wembanyama is as much as 3.9 blocks per sport, main the NBA as soon as once more. The Spurs are dangerous offensively, however the addition of veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes has been credited by San Antonio’s employees for elevating the extent of consciousness defensively. All of it ends with Wembanyama, although, who permits solely 32.9 p.c on the rim in his protection. Nobody else who defends at the very least 3.5 discipline objective makes an attempt on the rim permits worse than 42 p.c.
18. Miami Warmth (4-5)
Final rating: 13
Within the final week: L at Suns, L at Nuggets, W at Timberwolves
Offensive ranking: 111.1 (nineteenth)
Defensive ranking: 112.4 (fifteenth)
Say One thing Good: Kevin Love is again.
Jimmy Butler was unable to play in Minnesota due to an ankle damage, however one other former Timberwolves participant was capable of begin as an alternative, as Love made his 2024-25 season debut after lacking the primary eight video games. The 2008 lottery choose didn’t play a lot, however he made a constructive contribution and was on the ground for fellow energy ahead Nikola Jovic’s game-winning and-1.
Cam Thomas has been a vivid spot for the Nets. (Stephen Lew / Imagn Photographs)
19. Brooklyn Nets (5-6)
Final rating: 14
Within the final week: L at Celtics, L at Cavaliers, W at Pelicans
Offensive ranking: 112.7 (fifteenth)
Defensive ranking: 113.2 (seventeenth)
Say One thing Good: Cam Thomas is excelling in handoffs.
Nets coach Jordi Fernandez was with the Sacramento Kings underneath Mike Brown, and he introduced the direct handoff-heavy offense with him. It has allowed Thomas to thrive, as he’s as much as 24.5 factors per sport. In line with Synergy, no participant averages extra discipline objectives made per sport on handoff actions (1.8) than Thomas.
20. Charlotte Hornets (4-6)
Final rating: 28
Within the final week: W vs. Pistons, W vs. Pacers, L at Sixers
Offensive ranking: 110.1 (twenty first)
Defensive ranking: 112.8 (sixteenth)
Say One thing Good: LaMelo Ball is making up for misplaced time.
Ball is already greater than midway previous the scoring complete he put up final season, as he’s averaging 29.4 factors per sport. Final season, Ball solely made it via 22 video games, and he didn’t play after January. This 12 months, Hornets coach Charles Lee has Ball enjoying the Jayson Tatum position. It has been outrageously inefficient at instances, however not everybody can deal with the type of quantity Ball has proven he can to start this season.
21. Detroit Pistons (4-7)
Final rating: 19
Within the final week: L at Hornets, W vs. Hawks, L vs HOU
Offensive ranking: 109.3 (twenty third)
Defensive ranking: 111.7 (14th)
Say One thing Good: The Pistons aren’t horrible on protection anymore.
New coach JB Bickerstaff has the Pistons enjoying collectively defensively, and it’s conserving them in video games and even successful some. Even in a sport wherein the Pistons allowed 121 factors, Cade Cunningham got here up with the game-saving blocked shot Friday evening on Atlanta middle Onyeka Okongwu. Detroit didn’t win its fourth sport of the season final 12 months till MLK Day.
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Self-inflicted wounds plague Pistons’ in any other case promising begin to season
22. Chicago Bulls (4-7)
Final rating: 20
Within the final week: L at Mavericks, L vs. Timberwolves, W at Hawks, L vs. Cavaliers
Offensive ranking: 109.1 (twenty fifth)
Defensive ranking: 114.5 (nineteenth)
Say One thing Good: Nikola Vučević has discovered his contact.
Vučević has been some of the expert facilities within the league over the previous decade, however he actually struggled along with his effectivity final season, making solely 48.4 p.c from the sector and 29.4 p.c from 3. This season, Vučević is averaging 20.8 factors whereas capturing a career-best 58.6 p.c from the sector general and 46.8 p.c from 3.
23. Atlanta Hawks (4-7)
Final rating: 24
Within the final week: W vs. Knicks, L at Pistons, L vs. Bulls
Offensive ranking: 111.7 (18th)
Defensive ranking: 117.6 (twenty seventh)
Say One thing Good: Zaccharie Risacher confirmed his ceiling.
In Risacher’s first eight video games, the highest choose of the 2024 NBA Draft solely averaged 9.4 factors on 32.9 p.c from the sector. Then Risacher broke out in opposition to the Knicks, torching them for 33 factors and 6 3s. {The teenager} additionally added seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks within the win in opposition to the Knicks. Risacher was even youthful than Wembanyama was when he acquired his first 30-point sport.
24. Philadelphia 76ers (2-7)
Final rating: 27
Within the final week: L at Clippers, L at Lakers, W vs. Hornets
Offensive ranking: 107.4 (twenty seventh)
Defensive ranking: 114.7 (twentieth)
Say One thing Good: Joel Embiid is coming again this week.
Actually, the 2023 MVP is meant to be again Tuesday evening!
GO DEEPER
For embattled 76ers, ‘the ship hasn’t sunk’ however powerful instances proceed
25. New Orleans Pelicans (3-8)
Final rating: 25
Within the final week: L vs. Cavaliers, L at Magic, L vs. Nets
Offensive ranking: 109.4 (twenty second)
Defensive ranking: 119.3 (twenty ninth)
Say One thing Good: Brandon Boston Jr. is getting a chance.
The LA Clippers moved on from Boston after three seasons, and the San Antonio Spurs elected to not hold him after coaching camp final month. However Boston landed on his toes with the Pelicans on a two-way contract, and he has began 4 video games amidst the biblical wave of accidents to gamers on the guard and wing spots (Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III, Jordan Hawkins). The ball is discovering the underside of the online extra usually with the Pelicans, and Boston has proven playmaking and decision-making (3.9 assists, 0.8 turnovers) that was not obvious in any of his earlier stops in LA or Kentucky.
Tier 5: Basement Flooring
26. Milwaukee Bucks (2-8)
Final rating: 26
Within the final week: W vs. Jazz, L at Knicks, L vs. Celtics
Offensive ranking: 110.6 (twentieth)
Defensive ranking: 115.7 (twenty second)
Say One thing Good: Damian Lillard can nonetheless take over a sport.
It has been a rotten begin for the Jap Convention’s oldest group, and Khris Middleton nonetheless isn’t again but. However Lillard’s offense has nonetheless been as marketed, and half of his video games have resulted in performances of at the very least 30 factors, together with a much-needed win in opposition to the Utah Jazz.
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What’s gone flawed with the Bucks, and have they got time to repair it?
Shaedon Sharpe is again for the Path Blazers. (Jaime Valdez / Imagn Photographs)
27. Portland Path Blazers (3-8)
Final rating: 22
Within the final week: L at Spurs, L at Timberwolves, L vs. Grizzlies
Offensive ranking: 105.4 (twenty eighth)
Defensive ranking: 116.1 (twenty third)
Say One thing Good: They’re getting more healthy.
Shaedon Sharpe made his regular-season debut after his 2023-24 season was lower brief in January and after coping with a shoulder damage that delayed the beginning of this 12 months. Backup middle Robert Williams III can also be again after a full 12 months missed with knee and hamstring accidents. Portland simply misplaced a house sport by 45 factors, so there’s nowhere to go however up.
28. Utah Jazz (2-7)
Final rating: 30
Within the final week: L at Bucks, W at Spurs
Offensive ranking: 103.1 (thirtieth)
Defensive ranking: 116.7 (twenty fourth)
Say One thing Good: Isaiah Collier made his debut.
Collier, the twenty ninth choose of the 2024 NBA Draft, had his NBA debut postponed till this previous week due to a hamstring damage. He began rather than the injured Keyonte George on Saturday and posted 4 assists with out a turnover; George solely had one begin final season with zero turnovers. Utah’s offense is the worst within the league, however it’s getting all three rookies, together with lottery choose Cody Williams and early second-round choose Kyle Filipowski, worthwhile minutes.
29. Washington Wizards (2-7)
Final rating: 23
Within the final week: L at Grizzlies, L at Magic, L at Rockets
Offensive ranking: 105.1 (twenty ninth)
Defensive ranking: 117.7 (twenty eighth)
Say One thing Good: Bilal Coulibaly is making progress.
Wembanyama mentioned earlier than the 2023 Draft that fellow French prospect Coulibaly shouldn’t simply be a top-10 choose, however a top-five choose. Coulibaly wasn’t an All-Rookie choice after being the seventh choose within the draft, however this 12 months, he has been remarkably environment friendly whereas making performs everywhere in the ground. Of the 117 gamers averaging at the very least 10 discipline objective makes an attempt per sport, solely 5 are capturing higher than the 57.3 p.c Coulibaly is making, they usually’re all large males: Sabonis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Vučević, Ivica Zubac and Davis.
30. Toronto Raptors (2-9)
Final rating: 29
Within the final week: L at Kings, L at Clippers, L at Lakers
Offensive ranking: 112.7 (14th)
Defensive ranking: 120.0 (thirtieth)
Say One thing Good: Their offense is sweet to have a look at.
No group has extra losses than the Raptors proper now, they usually’re the one group within the league with out a highway win. No group is worse defensively. However solely three groups common extra assists per sport than Darko Rajaković’s Raptors, solely two groups cross the ball extra, and no group is extra reliant on paint factors. That additionally implies that no group makes an attempt a decrease proportion of their pictures from 3 than Toronto. If nothing else, the Raptors have a model that simply requires the appropriate expertise getting wholesome.
GO DEEPER
Seven issues I feel I do know in regards to the Toronto Raptors via 10 (plus one) video games
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(High picture of Stephen Curry: Joshua Gateley / Getty Photographs)
