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NBA Power Rankings Week 1: Lakers woes and other first impressions

By Josh Cornelissen

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 12: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the basketball court together during the second half of a preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 12: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the basketball court together during the second half of a preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 12, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Rick Osentoski/Getty Images /

156. . 1-2. Previous: 25th. Cleveland Cavaliers. 24. team

Last Week: (L) to Memphis, (L) to Charlotte, (W) over Atlanta

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in a close game in each of their three contests thus far. In the first, a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, they were within one point with two minutes to go before the Grizzlies went on an 11-0 run. Against the Charlotte Hornets, they were leading at halftime and then a turnover-induced run by Charlotte in the 4th quarter opened a lead that could not be overcome.

Finally, the tides turned against the Atlanta Hawks, a team the Cavs frequently have success against. The Cavs managed to get out in front and then hung on for dear life to get across the finish line. New addition Ricky Rubio has been key for them as Darius Garland has missed two games already. The offense is moving the ball well (3rd in the league in assists per game) even if they are still avoiding the 3-point line.

First Impression: The “Triple Towers” look has issues. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff made the surprising decision to move Isaac Okoro to the bench and start Lauri Markkanen at the 3, giving the team two 7-footers at the two forward positions. Given that they already start an undersized 6’1″ shooting guard in Collin Sexton, the juxtaposition leaves a major gap of 11 inches. Against teams with good forwards, this could be a death sentence, as it was against Miles Bridges and Gordon Hayward on the Hornets.