NBA Power Rankings: Milwaukee Bucks riding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s balky back
By Phil Watson
. 12-27. Previous: . Cleveland Cavaliers. 25. team. 156
Last week: Lost to Minnesota 118-103, lost to Detroit 115-113, won at Detroit 115-112 (OT), won at Denver 111-103
This week: Monday at Lakers, Tuesday at Clippers, Friday at Memphis, Saturday at Chicago
The Cleveland Cavaliers followed up their five-game losing streak with consecutive road wins at Detroit and Denver to finish last week 2-2. That win over the Nuggets is just the second by the Cavaliers this season over a team currently better than .500, with the other being an Oct. 26 win over the Pacers. So, yeah, it’s been awhile.
Collin Sexton helped fuel a balanced attack in the win at Denver with 25 points on 9-of-18 shooting. For the week, Sexton averaged 20.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 36.0 minutes per game, while shooting 43.8 percent overall and 7-for-16 from 3-point range. That was boosted by a 4-for-7 performance from long range against the Nuggets.
team. 84. . 15-24. Previous: . Sacramento Kings. 24
Last week: Beat Golden State 111-98, won at Phoenix 114-103, lost to Milwaukee 127-106
This week: Monday vs. Orlando, Wednesday vs. Dallas, Saturday at Utah
The Sacramento Kings have righted the ship a bit since losing eight consecutive games from Dec. 17-31, picking up two wins last week. The Kings have now won three of five since ending the streak, including a solid home-road back-to-back set last week over the Warriors and at Phoenix. And in the wacky playoff races this season, even 15-24 isn’t out of contention.
De’Aaron Fox is settling in better after his long absence with a sprained ankle, averaging 22.3 points, 7.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks in 34.8 minutes per game last week. Fox shot 44.6 percent, but was 2-for-11 from deep. He also knocked down 15-of-16 at the foul line, but had eight attempts each against the Warriors and Suns and none in the loss to the Bucks.