1. Los Angeles Lakers: Two blowout losses to Cleveland and Phoenix, mixed in with close wins over Sacramento and Golden State, made them seem less than invincible. But last nights blowout of Mavs who are 2nd in the West reaffirms their dominance.
2. Cleveland Cavs: “Duke” James goes for 48 points and 10 rebounds on his 25th birthday in win over Hawks. Win 7 straight then lose to Charlotte at home. Shaq needs more touches!
3. Boston Celtics: In danger of losing 5 straight games, the Celtics rely on bench to get win over Raptors without Pierce, KG, and Rondo. Rasheed Wallace worth every penny!
4. Dallas Mavericks: Still leading the Southwest, otherwise known as the toughest division in the NBA. 35 point lost to Lakers exposed there weakness…scoring in the post….maybe everyone already knows that!
5. Denver Nuggets: Dreaded back-to-back schedule catches up to them in home loss to Philadelphia Still, they showed heart without Billups and Anthony in win over dispirited Jazz.
6. Orlando Magic: Lost to Bulls was close to embarrassing. They should be ranked higher, but Magic refuse to give ball to Howard. FEED ME!
7. San Antonio Spurs: They are 8-2 in their last 10 and 11-3 in their last 14. But they are coming off a four-point loss at Toronto in which they missed 11 free throws (Tim Duncan and Tony Parker combined for nine bricks). Nursing a sore knee, Duncan came off the bench for only the second time in his career. Where the hell is Richard Jefferson??
8. Portland Trail Blazers: Good to see they aren’t using injuries as an excuse. Two more – LaMarcus Alridge (ankle) and Steve Blake (pneumonia) – go down, bringing the total to eight, but they still keep winning. Against Golden State, backcourt mates Andre Miller and Brandon Roy combine for 60 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
9. Atlanta Hawks: Bells will be ringing the sad, sad news – Hawks lose three straight during Christmas week. The two to Cleveland on consecutive nights are tolerable, but another home loss to the Knicks is not. New York has won both games in Atlanta this season.
10. Phoenix Suns: Followed home wins over the Lakers and Celtics with a loss to Memphis in same venue. No starter had more than six rebounds against the Grizzlies.
11. Houston Rockets: The HARDEST WORKING TEAM in the NBA. Against New Orleans, starting center Chuck Hayes – all 6-foot-6 of him – pulls down 13 rebounds.Rockets need to get someone for McGrady to move Ariza out of “Batman” role and back to “Robin” role where he is more comfortable.
12. Oklahoma City: Five-game winning streak ends with overtime loss at Milwaukee. Evidence of bright future: 21-year-old Kevin Durant scores at least 30 points in seven consecutive games; 21-year-old Russell Westbrook has four consecutive games of double-digit assists.
13. Utah Jazz: So far disappointing season, do they miss Harpring THAT much!
14. Memphis Grizzlies: The 1-8 start gives way to 16-16, the first time they have been at least .500 this late in the season since 2005-06. No. 16 last season didn’t come until their 60th game. A 9-4 December included beating division leaders Dallas, Cleveland and Denver. Last week: 15
15. Miami Heat: Closed out the year by losing at New Orleans and San Antonio. Brought in the New Year by losing at home to Charlotte. Someone get Michael Beasley to the barbershop asap!
