People LOVE Power Rankings in sports. It’s pretty stupid. So, of course, I have MY Stupid Power Rankings. I take 10 things from the NBA and WNBA (or not) in the past week and rank them accordingly. You don’t like them? Make your own rankings!
Let’s see what cooked in mid-April.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Matt York/AP.)
1) Suns Are #1 in the West
Coupled by some inexplicable losses by the Utah Jazz (more on that later), the Phoenix Suns have become the #1 seed in the West. It’s remarkable that they’re this good this quickly and this is what we’re talking about when we say follow up on that momentum.
Not only that but they clinched a postseason berth for the first time in 11 years. Maybe the Suns won’t win the championship this quickly (I’m not convinced yet) but they are a growing threat in the league.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images.)
2) Jayson Tatum Goes Off For 60
After all the criticisms (especially from local media), Jayson Tatum put on a performance of a lifetime and helped the Celtics dig out of a 32-point hole to defeat the San Antonio Spurs. The Celts needed all 60 points from Tatum. He is such a star and I don’t know why you’d want him out of Boston. It’s like not wanting to continue a date with Anna Kendrick.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Robert Seale/Getty Images.)
3) Kevin Porter, Jr. Goes Off For 50
After getting dealt from Cleveland to Houston, many felt that he needed to either go to the G-League or take a break from basketball. It’s no question that his last few years had been trouble and that we shouldn’t glorify basketball games. But maybe his 50-point performance could help him turn it all around. Sometimes, it’s something like that that could be a catalyst for things to get better. Let’s hope so.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Morry Gosh/AP.)
4) Nets Vs Bucks
What a game on national TV. The stars showed out (well, James Harden was still out). Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 49 in dominant fashion. Kevin Durant went for 42. Durant’s last-second three fell short that would’ve tied the game. A high-level, high-intensity game from two top tier teams. Could possibly be the best game of the season.
(VIDEO CREDIT: House of Highlights.)
5) Ja Morant Alley-Oop
You wonder how he just keeps doing this. Ja Morant is incredible.
Ben Simmons. Game. pic.twitter.com/UYG7egKKrp
— THE NBA Hustle 🏀 (@TheNBAHustle) May 3, 2021
6) Ben Simmons Gets The Tip Win
After a long skid last week, the Sixers have regained the top spot in the East, thanks to this game-winning tip-in by Ben Simmons. I was told that Simmons is overrated, though…
(PHOTO CREDIT: Jose Fonte/Getty Images.)
7) Good To See Mike James Back
Mike James is back in the league. You remember him having a good stint at Phoenix before he was waived unceremoniously. He only played four unmemorable games with the Pelicans right after that. James then resumed his overseas career.
The Nets picked him up on April 23. He had a couple of games where he went for 11 against the Raptors and 15 against the Blazers. He just signed his second 10-day deal with Brooklyn earlier today. Hopefully, he sticks with them.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Alonzo Adams/USA Today.)
8) The Thunder Had a Weird Week
The Thunder snapped their 14-game losing streak after scoring an upset over Boston. But later that week, they proceeded to lose by 57 against the Pacers. They also had a close loss against the Suns on Sunday.
The streak was over. Then they got plastered by a record margin at home. And they now have a new streak. The ups and downs of rebuilding.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Jordan Johnson/Getty Images.)
9) Utah Jazz Lose to the Wolves A Second Time
Last Monday night, the Wolves defeated the Jazz a second straight time after Rudy Gobert blew coverage on the D’Angelo Russell game-winning lay-up. Later in the week, they lost big to the Suns in a game for the #1 seed. They’d probably still be #1 even with that loss to the Suns if they actually beat the hapless Wolves. Woof.
10) The Play-In Series Complaints
Last year, LeBron James was all about the play-in series. So was Mark Cuban as the owners unanimously voted it in for this season.
Well, now that their respective teams are in compromising positions, LeBron suddenly hates it. And so does Cuban.
Gosh, that is such bad form.
For the record, I never really liked it. But the rules are the rules, boys. You know what would be a great solution? Winning basketball games.
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.
R.I.P. Nala.