NBA Power Rankings Week 19: LA Clippers get aggressive on buyout market
By Phil Watson
19-37. Previous: . Charlotte Hornets. 27. team. 170.
Last week: Won at Chicago 103-93, lost to Brooklyn 115-86
This week: Tuesday at Indiana, Wednesday vs. New York, Friday at Toronto
The Charlotte Hornets had a nice return from the All-Star break, picking up their third straight win following a stretch of 13 losses in 14 games with a 10-point road win at Chicago. But it all came apart as they were undressed at home by the Nets on Saturday night. If they had used the All-Star Game’s Elam Ending, Charlotte still would have lost every quarter and the game.
The Hornets have filled one of the two roster spots opened when they waived Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams shortly after the trade deadline, on Friday signing Joe Chealey to a 10-day contract.
Cody Zeller had an efficient-as-heck game in Chicago, scoring 16 points with eight rebounds and two steals on 5-of-5 shooting, hitting 6-of-8 from the line. In the two games last week, Zeller scored 30 points with 17 boards and two steals, hitting 12-of-17 from the floor.
. 17-39. Previous: . New York Knicks. 26. team. 27
Last week: Lost to Indiana 106-98
This week: Monday at Houston, Wednesday at Charlotte, Thursday at Philadelphia, Saturday vs. Chicago
The New York Knicks returned from the All-Star break on Friday and trailed by as much as 22 before getting as close as four points in the final minute of play. But they could get no closer and dropped their third straight game, taking most of the starch out of their four-game winning streak to open February.
New York has been dealing with coaching rumors of late, with Villanova coach Jay Wright flatly telling the Philadelphia Inquirer he has not talked to the Knicks, much less thought about coaching them. Tom Thibodeau, meanwhile, is reportedly openly craving the job.
In the loss to the Pacers, Bobby Portis had a solid night off the bench with 19 points and six rebounds in 28 minutes, hitting 6-of-11 overall and 3-for-5 from 3-point range. Signed as a free agent last summer, the fifth-year big is averaging 9.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game.