NBA’s 15 best surprises: Cavaliers, Rockets and Warriors surge into holiday season
No one should be stunned at which squads have separated themselves among the upper echelon of NBA teams, but it’s how teams like Cleveland and Houston have vaulted up the standings that’s surprising. LeBron James, in his 15th season, is still LeBron James, and the Rockets’ Chris Paul-James Harden pairing has been nothing short of seamless.
After a tumultuous and chaotic offseason, the league is rife with surprises. Here are our favorites (along with a few lumps of coal).
Boston’s staying power: After losing prized free agent acquisition Gordon Hayward to a gruesome injury on opening night, Kyrie Irving has engineered a top-10 offense to complement one of the best defenses in the league. LeBron’s longevity: Whereas other players from James’ 2003 draft class have entered the twilight of their careers, James is averaging careerhighs in field goal percentage, threepoint percentage and assists. Entering Thursday, the Cavs had lost twice since November 11.
Houston’s recipe: In Harden and Paul (both averaging nine assists per game), the Rockets have two of the NBA’s top four leading assist men in the league (though Paul doesn’t qualify for the leaderboard since he’s only played 16 games). What few could have predicted, though, was a top10 defense after finishing last year ranked 19th. Toronto’s patience: Forgive us for
overlooking the Raptors. They’re the only team outside of Golden State that’s top-6 in both offense and defense this season. Indiana’s resiliency: Following the forced exit of Paul George, many thought the Pacers were destined for several years of lottery picks. Instead, likely playoff bound, they’ve discovered a burgeoning All-Star in Victor Oladipo and are the second-best three-point shooting team in the league. Detroit’s resurgence: The Pistons are in playoff contention, Tobias Harris is having a career year, Reggie Jackson is healthy and playing well, and perhaps most surprising, Andre Drummond is knocking down 62% of his free throws as opposed to 38% last year.
Los Angeles’ foundation: Lonzo Ball may not be the franchise’s savior, but the Lakers struck gold with their other rookie, Kyle Kuzma, whose athleticism and motor are a joy to watch. Brandon Ingram’s continued development makes the Lakers more intriguing than any other time in the post-Kobe Bryant era. Minnesota’s stubbornness: Among the worst defensive teams in the NBA, much to the chagrin of coach Tom Thibodeau, the Timberwolves will in all likelihood end their NBA-worst postseason drought which dates to 2004.
Philadelphia’s future: Ben Simmons is the heavy favorite for Rookie of the Year, and a mostly healthy Joel Embiid has infused the 76ers with a jolt of All-Star caliber talent and attitude. What’s surprising is how quickly they’ve meshed to form one of the league’s most devastating and intriguing tandems.
Portland’s identity: The Blazers are in the throes of the Western Conference playoff race, but rather than rely on Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum to carry them, their defense has been top-five most of the season after last year’s ranked 21st. New Orleans’ experiment: The tantalizing combo of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins has seen significantly improved shooting percentages following last year’s stunning trade. Utah’s steal: Electric rookie Donovan Mitchell, who leads the Jazz in scoring and ranks second in minutes, has significantly eased the burden of losing Hayward this offseason.
San Antonio’s resolve: Without two-time Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard, who only recently returned to the lineup, the Spurs still had the fifth-best defense in the NBA. Death. Taxes. Gregg Popovich. Golden State’s dominance: Without Kevin Durant, the Warriors are 4-1 this year. Without Stephen Curry, they’re 7-1. Who needs multiple MVPs anyway? Coal coming Oklahoma City’s clutch gene: Despite the additions of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, the Thunder are one of the least clutch teams in the NBA. They also haven’t found a working rhythm with Russell Westbrook; the Thunder have the second-fewest passes per game in the NBA.
Washington’s woes: Like the Thunder, the Wizards are among the NBA’s bottom feeders when it comes to crunch time. What’s more, John Wall’s averages are down across the board and knee inflammation kept him out for several weeks.
Memphis’ misery: The Grizzlies fired coach David Fizdale, have battled an extended injury to Mike Conley, could possibly trade Marc Gasol ahead of the February 8 deadline and will almost definitely end their streak of seven consecutive postseason appearances.