Two weeks in, and the NBA season has already given fans everything from unexpected undefeated teams to star-studded rosters still figuring things out. While a couple of teams have soared to new heights, others have wobbled their way through early challenges. Here’s a cheeky look at where the NBA’s best (and almost best) teams rank after Week 2:
10. Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 4-3
The Grizzlies’ rollercoaster start continues. With Ja Morant back in action, they’ve been a puzzle – impressive in wins over playoff teams like the Bucks and 76ers, yet baffling in losses to the lowly Bulls and Nets. Missing Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane due to injuries hasn’t helped, but hey, inconsistency makes things interesting, right?
9. Miami Heat
Record: 3-3
The Heat bounced back last week, thanks to Tyler Herro’s solid start and Terry Rozier finally adjusting to Miami’s style. Rozier’s 17.2 PPG have provided a nice lift, and they’re hopeful to keep up the momentum. This week’s slate includes matchups against the Kings, Suns, and Nuggets, so we’ll see if Miami can keep it together or if they’ll return to… let’s say “room temperature.”
8. LA Lakers
Record: 4-3
The Lakers started strong but quickly cooled off. A loss to the Suns and a narrow defeat by the Cavaliers wasn’t ideal, but a victory over Toronto put a smile back on LeBron’s face (probably). This team is like that fancy car with all the upgrades but still gets dinged up in traffic. They’ve shown glimpses of brilliance but need to find that next gear before it’s too late.
7. Dallas Mavericks
Record: 4-2
The Mavs are doing fine – even if Klay Thompson’s summer signing hasn’t turned into instant scoring magic (he managed just seven points against Minnesota). But no worries when you have Kyrie Irving dropping 35 points to win the day. Keep your calendar open for their Christmas Day rematch against the Wolves – Dallas hopes Santa brings Thompson a shooting streak.
6. New York Knicks
Record: 3-2
Karl-Anthony Towns has finally started to gel with the Knicks, delivering a 44-point explosion against Miami. The Knicks are quietly climbing the East standings, one Karl-Anthony Towns three-pointer at a time. Let’s see if they can stay hot or if this will be another short-lived Madison Square Garden miracle.
5. Golden State Warriors
Record: 5-1
Losing Klay Thompson was supposed to be a problem. But Golden State has turned to Buddy Hield, who’s averaging a career-high 22.2 PPG and shooting a blistering 51.7% from three. Meanwhile, Steph Curry’s been mysteriously mellow, averaging just 18.3 PPG. The Dubs are riding a three-game win streak, showing that sometimes, the Warriors’ depth is as golden as their name.
4. Phoenix Suns
Record: 5-1
The Suns are cooking with new head coach Mike Budenholzer, boasting a 5-1 record. Bud has them looking dangerous on both ends, and even when Bradley Beal sits out, the Suns handle business, taking down contenders like the Mavs, Lakers, and Clippers. This team is reminding everyone that last season’s injury-plagued disappointment is firmly in the past.
3. Boston Celtics
Record: 6-1
The reigning champs are still in great shape, with a high-scoring offense that just keeps pouring in points. Boston took full advantage of a softer schedule last week, handling Charlotte twice and the Bucks with ease. Payton Pritchard’s contributions off the bench have been a nice surprise, and the Celtics remain a clear threat in the East. Let’s see if they can keep this pace when tougher teams come around.
2. OKC Thunder
Record: 6-0
The Thunder have become the NBA’s stealth powerhouse, holding an undefeated 6-0 record thanks to a stifling defense. They’re holding opponents to a league-best 95.1 defensive rating and blocking shots like it’s going out of style. Chet Holmgren is the defensive anchor, averaging an NBA-high 3.3 blocks per game. For OKC fans, this may be the start of something special – or at least a fun run while it lasts.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 7-0
Cleveland stands tall at the top, going a perfect 7-0 to start the season. Donovan Mitchell has been exceptional, and the Cavs’ balanced offense and defense have put them in the league’s top five in both categories. They’re playing with confidence, winning by double-digits in most games, and making a serious statement. Is this the year Cleveland makes a Finals return? Their early play suggests it might be – but let’s not jinx it.
The NBA Season So Far: From Laughs to Leaps
It’s early, but we’re seeing teams find their rhythm – or desperately search for it. With surprises at every turn, this season is shaping up to be a fun one. Will the Cavs’ dominance continue? Can OKC’s defense carry them through? And will the Lakers figure out what’s keeping them from a title run? Stay tuned – the best (or at least the wildest) is yet to come.
