NBA Power Rankings Week 2: The rise of the Atlanta Hawks

Last Week: Lost to Charlotte Hornets 106-104, Lost/OT to Memphis Grizzlies 116-110, Beat Atlanta Hawks 145-141, Lost to the Atlanta Hawks 114-96

This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. Washington Wizards, 1/5/2021 vs. Utah Jazz, 1/7/2021 vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 1/8/2021 at Memphis Grizzlies

So the 72-0 takes may have been a little over-reactionary, huh? A 1-3 week is less than ideal and dropping games against non-playoff teams make it even worse. While the win against the Atlanta Hawks was one of the most entertaining games across the league this week, the Nets cannot feel nearly as good as they did the week ago.

The Nets’ depth suddenly looks worse with a season-ending injury to Spencer Dinwiddie bumping all of the role players up a peg in the rotation. The bench unit was a fun watch, allowing them to out-talent most other reserve cores.

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot has moved into the starting lineup and has been effective. Jarrett Allen has been rather impressive after not inking a contract extension. But the team is certainly thinner than they were a week ago.

No matter the records, Brooklyn has a claim to being the most talented team in the league when healthy. Kevin Durant hasn’t lost a step and is devastatingly smooth on offense. Kyrie Irving is embracing his role as a secondary option thus far. For fans of good basketball, here is to a fuller lineup on a more regular basis.