By Zach Gewelb
This is a weekly ranking of the top 10 NBA players. Rankings will change week-to-week and will be posted every Sunday. Long-term injuries will keep players off the list, which will combine both a player’s performance and team’s record during a week (Sunday to Saturday). All stats have been provided by ESPN.com. Enjoy!
IN: John Wall, Carmelo Anthony
OUT: Chris Paul, LaMarcus Aldridge
10. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers (Last Week: 8)
While Lillard did not shoot well last week (just 32.5 percent), he still performed well enough to remain in the rankings. He still averaged 21.25 points and 6.25 assists in Portland’s four games – two wins and two losses – during the week. Lillard was also money from the charity stripe, making 27 of his 30 attempts. He needs to become a more efficient shooter before he can be considered elite, but Lillard is still one of the top point guards in the NBA. With LaMarcus Aldridge battling a thumb injury that could eventually keep him out of the lineup, Lillard’s play will become even more important. A consistent Lillard is necessary for Portland to hold its ground and remain in the top of the West.
9. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings (Last Week: 9)
Sacramento failed to pick up a victory in three tries last week, but Cousins continued to post elite numbers. In fact, Cousins nearly led the Kings to an upset over Portland on Monday with a 22-point, 19-rebound performance in a 98-94 loss. His double-double versus Portland was the first of three last week, as he posted 28 points and 14 rebounds against Brooklyn before pouring in 28 points and grabbing 11 boards in a loss to Golden State. Cousins potential is unlimited and he will continue to grow and mature as a player. Perhaps his most impressive stat this season: he has registered double-doubles in all but FIVE fames he’s played in this season. The only thing left for Cousins to do is to prove he can lead a team to the playoffs.
8. John Wall, Washington Wizards (Last Week: Unranked)
John Wall is the first new face on the rankings this week, as the fifth-year guard has become one of the top all-around point guards in the league this season. While Washington only won one of its three games, it certainly was not due to Wall’s play, which was excellent. Wall recorded 18.0 points and 10.7 assists, while adding 4.7 rebounds per game. He logged two straight double-double performances in a win against Philadelphia (111-76) and a loss to Oklahoma City (105-103) and fell just short of a third straight in a 25-point, nine-assist showing in a loss to Portland (103-96). Wall is averaging 10.0 assists on the year and his improved passing has the Wizards at 29-15 this season, good for the No. 2 spot in the East. If Wall continues his strong, selfless play, Washington can compete for the No. 1 spot by the end of the season.
7. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks (Last Week: Unranked)
Like Wall, Carmelo makes his debut on the rankings after a strong performance last week in which he led New York Knicks to three consecutive wins against New Orleans, Philadelphia and Orlando, respectively. Monday’s win at the Garden over the Pelicans snapped New York’s losing streak and ignited its mini-winning streak. Melo averaged a strong 25.3 points and a more impressive 9.0 rebounds over the streak. Carmelo’s value to the Knicks is clear, as a scheduled day off on Saturday against Orlando led to the end of New York’s streak. The Knicks only managed 71 points in the loss and it is almost guaranteed they would have been more potent on the offensive end with Melo on the floor. Carmelo has played banged up all season, yet he has continued to show he can help New York wins when he is on target on the offensive end of the floor.
6. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers (Last Week: 7)
While Kyrie Irving’s scoring numbers have fallen since the return of LeBron James, his efficiency has increased. He averaged 18 points and six assists in the Cavs three games last week, all wins. More impressively, he shot a stellar 54 percent from the field (22-41) and sank 67 percent of his three-point attempts (6-9). Irving has also benefitted from LeBron handling the bore more often, as the former No. 1 pick only turned the ball over twice in the three-game stretch. A more efficient Kyrie Irving is just what Cleveland needs as the Cavs climb toward to the top of the East.
5. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (Last Week: 3)
Golden State had a perfect week, winning three-of-three games en route to improving its record to 35-6 and while Curry did not have his best week, he still recorded two double-doubles. Curry eclipsed 20 points in wins against Denver (122-79) and Houston (126-113), but only managed 10 in a 126-101 win versus the Kings. Curry’s 3-11 shooting line in that game can be attributed to a rare bad game; however, his ability to move the ball – he recorded 11 assists – contributed to the victory. Still, Curry averaged 17.3 points and 9.6 assists while shooting 47.2 percent from the field during the week. While Curry’s teammate, Klay Thompson, will get most of the credit for Golden State’s success this week, it is impossible to forget about Curry’s value to the Western Conference’s top team.
4. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors (Last Week: 10)
Thompson may be the best shooting guard in the league this season and his play last week was unbelievable. Thompson recorded 33.7 points on 56 percent shooting (33-59) and shot an incredible 16-25 in his 52-point performance in Golden State’s 126-101 win against Sacramento. Thompson is an elite offensive talent who can get to the hoop, rake from beyond the arc (18-31 in the three-game stretch) and hit his free throws (17-18). Thompson and his partner Curry will be the best backcourt tandem in the league for years to come and will keep Golden State in contention for a championship.
3. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans (Last Week: 2)
Davis played in two of the Pelicans’ three games last week and with the 21-year-old back in the lineup, it’s no surprise New Orleans won both games. While the games were against the lowly Lakers and Timberwolves, Davis’ presence is the key reason for the Pelicans’ success. Davis 25 points and 10 rebounds per game and continues to keep his turnovers down (four combined). He also added five total blocks in the two games. As Davis’ health continues to improve, so will the Pelicans. He is vital to their success and is New Orleans’ only hope of advancing to the playoffs in the crowded Western Conference.
2. James Harden, Houston Rockets (Last Week: 4)
James Harden continues to dominate on the offensive end of he court and improved upon his already stellar play from the last rankings. In three games last week, Harden averaged 37 points, 7.7 assists and 5.5 rebounds to help guide the Rockets to a 2-1 record – its only loss game against Golden State (126-113). Harden’s week was highlighted by a 45-point performance against the Indiana Pacers. The bearded star only needed 18 shots from the field (12-18) and 14 free throws (14-15) to reach 45 points, which is incredibly efficient. If Harden continues to be an efficient scorer and manage to spread the ball to his teammates, he has the potential to be a triple-double threat every time he steps on the floor. His elite play will determine how far Houston can advance in the West this year.
1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers (Last Week: 1)
LeBron has continued to look good since returning from injury and helped guide Cleveland to a 3-0 record last week. In wins against Chicago, Utah and Charlotte, James averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 assists and 6.0 rebounds. The only downside to his performance was the amount of times LeBron turned the ball over. After turning the ball over six and seven times against Chicago and Utah, respectively, James found a cure to his turnover woes, only losing the ball twice in Friday’s home victory against the Hornets. With LeBron starting to return to form, Cleveland should continue to rise to the top of the Eastern Conference.
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