NBA Top 10: Feb. 9

Story posted February 9, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Patrick Lepre

1. Phoenix Suns

The Suns recently won both road games against two of the best teams in the East - the Chicago Bulls and the 76ers.

The Suns have been by far the most clutch and consistent team this season. The Suns have the highest net rating in the clutch in the entire NBA with 45.0.

One can tell how bad this team wants to get back to the NBA finals with their consistency and clutch time stats. There’s no messing around with Phoenix.

2. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors continue to be on the Suns' tail in the Western Conference as the season goes on.

The Warriors were banking on Klay Thompson being able to pick up where he left off last season and in the past five games, he has shown signs averaging 19.4 points per game while shooting 47.9% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc. The last missing piece for this Warriors team could be a big man that can pose a threat to the rest in the West.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are one of the biggest stories this season. Ja Morant still has this team as a contender and a team to not look past in the playoffs.

Along with Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane has become a legitimate scoring option for this Grizzlies team averaging 17.5 points per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Don’t look past this young Grizzlies team.

4. Miami Heat

Currently sitting atop the East, the Miami Heat have stormed back as their injuries wavered away.

If they can stay healthy and build even more chemistry this Heat team can become even more dangerous than they already are.

5. Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid is completely taking over in Philadelphia. He is making a serious push for MVP and he seems almost unstoppable.

There is a bit of uncertainty if the 76ers will trade for James Harden before the trade deadline, but as constructed this is still a very good team. The 76ers are a team to keep your eye on as they might push all their chips in for Harden which will completely shake the playing field.

6. Milwaukee Bucks

The defending champs are starting to put it together as their big three is finally healthy. When all together, the Bucks look as formidable as they did in last year's playoff run.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is still absolutely unstoppable for any team he faces. The Bucks should still be a favorite to come out of the East.

7. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are another team that had many question marks coming into the season. It seems they have answered almost all those questions.

DeRozan has been playing at an MVP level, and Zach LaVine is one of the best shooting guards in the league. The injury bug has seemed to hit Chicago, so it’ll be interesting to see how they hold up as the season goes on.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers

The biggest surprise of the entire season is the Cavaliers. Somehow, the Cavs find themselves one of the best teams in the East.

Now adding Caris LeVert to the mix, this team should be even better. The Cavaliers can make a serious run in the playoffs this season.

9. Utah Jazz

The Jazz finally get Donovan Mitchell back so they can get on track again. When healthy, this Jazz team is definitely one of the best in the West now it’s time to see if they can hold that truth in the coming weeks barring any more injuries.

10. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks find themselves trying to gain momentum heading into the All-Star Break.

Coming off a 12-4 January and beating some real contenders, the Mavericks can really shoot up the Western Conference standings if they can carry this momentum further.

 

Patrick Lepre is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email pjl5466@psu.edu.