As the NBA season works its way towards an nth, the landscape starts to show a lot of its teams setting the pace or still finding their stride. Two weeks in, it's clear: some squads are hitting their marks with surprising accuracy. Today, we break down the power dynamics reshaping the league, headlined by the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, along with other streaks of high climbs and early stumbles.
Unbeaten Pacesetters: Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers
The top of the NBA Power Rankings as we enter Week 3 belong to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers, seeing as both teams have perfect records up until now. The Thunder moved to the top of the rankings after being second last week with an unblemished 6-0 record. Although they rank only 15th in offensive rating at 112.5, their defense is unparalleled and leads the league with a defensive rating of 95.1 which factors into a +17.4 net rating. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is struggling from deep; to date, he is only shooting 28 per cent on threes this season but tests his efficiency and early-season MVP candidature by shooting an incredible 11-for-12 inside the arc in the latest game.
The Cavaliers jump from fourth to second and extend their streak of perfect wins to seven with the clutch shot courtesy of Donovan Mitchell. They have the second-best offense in the league, with an offensive rating of 121.9, and add that to a better defensive rating of 107.7. This sets them up for a net rating of +14.2, which shows how efficient they have been on both ends of the floor. The depth of their bench has been huge in those times, with players like Sam Merrill stepping in with 17 points in one game recently to show just how different this team can adapt through the injuries. Based on their hot start, the Cavaliers are now considered favorable according to the NBA betting odds.
Top Chemical Movers and Shakers
Significant movements include those of the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns. Golden State still had a very strong 5-1 record and league-best point differential without the injured Stephen Curry. Buddy Hield has been torrid beyond the arc, making 59% of his threes in five wins for the team. This shooting has helped them maintain a 118.6 offensive rating, which rates fourth in the league, to go with a 101.0 defensive rating-second-best-which positions them as one of the best bets in the league right now.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns have bounced back from an earlier defeat with four straight wins, with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker making huge plays at critical junctures. Their resilience was on full display in a comeback win over the Lakers, where Durant scored crucial points in the final quarter. They also have an offensive rating of 111.6 and a defensive rating of 107.9, translating to a net rating of +3.7. This shows their ability to finish games strong, a crucial factor as they aim for a deep run in the playoffs after last season’s fourth-quarter struggles.
Problem Teams
On the flip side, the Philadelphia 76ers are experiencing a steep drop, down 13 spots due to serious injuries to stars Joel Embiid and Paul George. The latter should be back any week now, but thus far without him it is Embiid that the Sixers sorely need on both ends of the floor. They struggle on offense, reflected by an NBA-low effective field goal percentage. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks have only managed a downright worse 1-5 start, with defensive lapses and an inability to close out games indicative of something much more systemic than early-season jitters. It points toward a team that has not been able to find its rhythm and cohesion on the court, thus far showing a drop in both offensive and defensive efficiencies from previous seasons.
Conclusion
Week 3 chugs in for the NBA and the standings show both expected and shocking results. Meanwhile, the Thunder and the Cavaliers set the bar very high, with traditional powers such as the Suns and Warriors readjusting their game to keep up. Keep track as the twists and turns of this NBA season keep up with the ones making these early statements and those at the bottom trying to bounce back. Keep tuned to Albatross Sports as it updates week-to-week, with deep dives, and all of the NBA action as it changes..
This piece represents but a snapshot of such a dynamic season, as teams continue to rise and fall based on form, fitness, and fortitude.