This week’s look around the NBA to determine who has been great (tops) and not so great (flops) in the last seven days.
Tops
San Antonio Spurs – With the recent return of role players from injury such as Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard, the Spurs have won eight straight games, carrying them to the best record in the league (46-16). For many, this side was no longer a contender, but with this recent run of games, they definitely have a place in title discussions.
Los Angeles Clippers – Just like the Spurs, the Clippers are currently on a tear, with nine straight wins. Now third in the West, only three games behind the struggling Thunder, Lob City looks more ready than ever to play deep into the postseason.
Jodie Meeks – The 26-year-old shooting guard set a career high in points with 42 in the Lakers’ win against the Thunder. His 24-point second half points helped LA perform a huge comeback to bag the home win against Kevin Durant’s side, who at the time were top of the conference.
Flops
Miami Heat – it has been a tough week for the defending champions, with three defeats in four games, including losses to rivals Chicago and Brooklyn. In addition to this, Lebron James has struggled with his shot, and his recent lack of efficiency and aggressiveness is set to cost him the MVP title.
Philadelphia 76ers – No surprises here. The Sixers extended their losing streak to 18 games, losing all three games by double digit margins. Even worse, one of these defeats was against Utah Jazz, who believe it or not, have a worse record than Philly. I can only make the assumption that the Sixers simply can’t wait for this nightmare season to be over with, and for the Draft to offer them some kind of savior.
Phoenix Suns – For many, including me, Phoenix seemed to have secured the unthinkable – a playoff spot. Unfortunately, a three game losing streak has ejected them below 8th place, allowing Dallas to climb two games ahead of them. Seeing their current form (seven defeats in their last 10 games), the Suns are going to have to make a dramatic U-turn to earn a place in the postseason.
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