NBA Power Rankings Week 1: The rise of the Brooklyn Nets

Last Week: Beat Detroit Pistons 111-101, Beat Utah Jazz 116-111

This Week: 12/27/2020 at Los Angeles Lakers, 12/29/2020 at LA Clippers, 1/1/2021 vs. Washington Wizards

The Minnesota Timberwolves have done just enough to be 2-0 this season and their fans have to feel good about that. They struggled early against the Detroit Pistons. In the end, their starters were effective and they pulled away. Against the Utah Jazz, Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell paced the team early and Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns closed it down late.

Beyond a scary fall for Towns in the fourth quarter against the Jazz, things are looking generally positive for this team so far. Edwards has been as good as they could have hoped for and has shown flashes of future All-Star play. Russell looked like an All-Star against the Jazz and was clutch when it counted. Maybe things are finally on track.

Last Week: Beat/OT Denver Nuggets 124-122, Beat Phoenix Suns 106-103

This Week: 12/27/2020 vs. Phoenix Suns, 12/29/2020 vs. Denver Nuggets, 12/31/2020 at Houston Rockets, 1/2/2021 at Houston Rockets

So far this season is about more than close wins and an undefeated record, though that is obviously nice. The Sacramento Kings have taken down two playoff hopefuls and the team fits together much better than they did even a year ago.

De’Aron Fox appears to have taken a step forward as a leader and has been tenacious on both sides of the ball for this team. Marvin Bagley III has been so solid and if he can stay healthy the ceiling for this team truly raises. Buddy Hield seems visibly happier to be back in the starting lineup.

The real win is Tyrese Haliburton. His impact will not always show up in the box score but he helps the ball move and the offense flows because there is another willing, creative passer on the floor. This team feels like the fun team from two years ago when they nearly won 40 games.