NBA Power Rankings Week 17: Brooklyn Nets make a charge up the middle
By Phil Watson
Last week: Lost to Boston 123-115, won at Minnesota 127-120, lost at Boston 112-107
This week: Sunday vs. New York, Monday at Orlando, Wednesday at Cleveland, Thursday vs. Miami
The Atlanta Hawks were undefeated last week against teams not named “Boston Celtics,” so there’s that. In all seriousness, the Hawks played the Celtics tough both at home and in Boston and picked up a road win at Minnesota while jumping ahead of the Cavaliers and climbing out of last-place in the Eastern Conference.
John Collins had a big week for Atlanta, averaging 26.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks in 39.1 minutes per game over the three games, shooting 62.0 percent overall and hitting 5-of-11 from deep. His best game may have been his lowest-scoring one, as he had 22 points with 11 boards, three dimes and two blocks on 10-of-12 shooting in Monday’s loss to the Celtics.
Last week: Lost to New York 139-134 (OT), lost at Oklahoma City 109-103
This week: Sunday vs. Clippers, Wednesday vs. Atlanta
With five straight losses, the Cleveland Cavaliers have sunk to the bottom of the Eastern Conference and will finish out their pre-All-Star break schedule with a pair of games at home against the Clippers and Hawks. The Cavs made one deadline move, picking up Andre Drummond for a trial run down the stretch.
Kevin Love played well in the two losses last week, scoring 53 points with 20 rebounds and 11 assists in 75 minutes. He shot 54.1 percent overall and was 7-for-16 from 3-point range, scoring 33 points with 13 boards and six dimes in the overtime loss to the Knicks on Monday while playing a season-high 41 minutes.