NBA Top-10: November 3
Less than two weeks into the 2021 NBA season, several teams are off to a hot start. These rankings are based on each team’s talent and strength of schedule. So, here are the NBA’s top ten teams as of the beginning of November. Standings and stats as of Nov. 3.
1. Miami Heat
The Heat are living up to their name, with a 6-1 start and a .857 win percentage. They currently sit tied for first place in the Eastern Conference, and may well take it over.
Miami currently sits at second in the league in scoring, with 115.6 points per game, as well as first in rebounds with 53.1 rebounds per game.
2. Utah Jazz
As expected, the Jazz look great so far. Utah is tied for first place in the Western Conference with a 6-1 record and .857 win percentage.
The Jazz have notable wins against the Bucks, Nuggets and Kings. Much of Utah’s early success can be attributed to Rudy Gobert, who currently leads the league with 17.6 rebounds per game.
3. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are off to a great start in the Eastern Conference with a 6-1 record and a .857 win percentage, with the only loss being a 104-103 home loss against the Knicks. Chicago is a good team, with Demar DeRozan and Zach LaVine each averaging 25.6 points per game and Nikola Vucevic averaging 10.9 rebounds per game.
4. Golden State Warriors
Is Golden State back? It’s quite possible. The Warriors are the other team tied with the aforementioned Jazz with an identical record and win percentage. With most of the 2010’s dynasty core still in the Bay Area, it would be foolish to overlook this team right now.
5. Washington Wizards
Many thought trading Russell Westbrook was a bad move, but it has actually worked out quite well in Washington, with the Wizards off to a 5-2 start and a .714 win percentage. Wes Unseld Jr. 's squad has talented players besides Bradley Beal, with the likes of Aaron Holiday and Daniel Gafford being key contributors to the early success in our nation’s capital.
6. New York Knicks
The Knicks look really good these days, with a 5-2 record and a .714 win percentage. Julius Randle continues to emerge as one of the most productive players in the league, while the Knicks have a strong developing group of young talent with him, too.
7. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers sit third in the Western Conference with a 5-3 record and a .625 win percentage. Los Angeles is arguably the best team in its conference with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and new addition Russell Westbrook on the roster.
8. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are currently 5-2 with a .714 win percentage. Philadelphia currently has a 49.2 field goal percentage, the highest in basketball. Despite the Ben Simmons situation, Joel Embiid and the 76ers should continue to rise in the power rankings soon.
9. Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets currently lead the league in scoring, three pointers made and three point percentage. The only reason they aren’t higher on this list is because their 5-3 record is not as good as other records.
10. Dallas Mavericks
With Luka Doncic on this team, it would not come as a surprise if the Mavericks rise up this list soon. Dallas currency sits fourth in the Western Conference with a 4-3 record and .571 win percentage.
Nolan Wick is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email nhw5046@psu.edu.
