It’s mid-December and practically every team has surpassed the 21-game mark—which means we’ve witnessed one quarter of this NBA season. The Eastern Conference has come out with a bang, and as of today stands with a 66-66 win loss record against the West. Take out the outliers that are the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers and the record becomes 65-49 which is a 0.754 winning percentage. For all the talk of scrapping conferences in the playoffs because of the strength of the West, that argument isn’t really holding weight right now. It’s all about the East.
Regardless after a crazy opening month the season has been at a competitive level not seen in years right across the board, with arguably the Lakers and Sixers the only truly uncompetitive sides night to night. So 20 plus games in, what else can we take away from the NBA’s opening games? Let’s take a look at a few of things that have impressed (the Golden State Warriors have not been included, as their successes are already well documented):
The Pacers And Paul George Are Doing Just Fine
Indiana revamped their roster this summer, and are now completely unrecognisable from the grinding, defensive unit that almost beat LeBron’s Heat juggernaut in 2013. Roy Hibbert and David West are gone, and the Pacers have reinvented themselves under the brilliance guidance of Frank Vogel who has yet again proven himself as one of the best coaches out there. Despite their annihilation by the Warriors (which there’s no shame in) they still rank 9th in both Offensive (103.4) and Defensive Efficiency (99.4).
Paul George is having himself an MVP calibre season, and has been terrific in this new smallball Pacers system. CJ Miles—who’s having himself a great season—has the versatility and ability to defend 4’s allows George more of a rest defensively, but that hasn’t stopped him becoming arguably the premier 2-way player in basketball right now. He’s putting up 27.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 4.3apg and 1.7spg. Right now he’s making a case of not only All-NBA first team honours, but potentially an MVP case (in a non-Steph Curry season at least).
The Rookie Class of 2015/16 Is Awesome
Where to begin? Despite number two overall pick DeAngelo Russell’s development being destroyed by Byron Scott in Los Angeles, the wealth of talent amongst this year’s rookie class is a treat. Karl-Anthony Towns can make a case as a top 30 player already. Kristaps Porzingis is a phenomenon in the Big Apple. Despite the Sixers struggle Jahlil Okafor is putting up superb numbers (on the offensive end anyway). Those three lead the chase for Rookie of the Year honours right now.
Apart from them, Justise Winslow is already a terrific defender on a fun bench unit in Miami. Stanley Johnson is the same on an awful bench in Detroit, despite his shooting inconsistencies. Emmanuel Mudiay’s feel for the game is incredible and Denver’s running style suits him to a tee. Myles Turner was looking terrific in Indiana before his injury. Hell, Devin Booker is shooting 71 percent for 3 this season. It’s a great time in the league for Rookies.
San Antonio Sneaking Are Under The Radar… Again
That’s right, they are. For all the talk of the Golden State Warriors (and rightfully so), the Spurs are already rolling and it’s only December. They’ve snuck away to an 18-5 record so far, behind a superb defense that is the best in the League. Gregg Popovich has perhaps realised that he cannot dare to try and beat the Warriors at their own game, and has returned to his roots as a defense-first coach – only with an incredible offense to back it up.
The Spurs are tied for 4th in the league at 104.3, just as efficient as it has ever been. This is during LaMarcus Aldridge’s adjustment process, so they will only get better. Kawhi Leonard has taken more steps forward (and leads the league in 3 point percentage) and his defense spearheads the league’s best defense, whose is so good that it 3.7 points better than second placed Miami. To put that in perspective, the next 3.7 differential between second placed Miami (96.4) extends right down to 10th placed Oklahoma City (99.9). Looks like the Spurs transition is running just fine.
Their Are A Lot Of Fun Teams To Watch Right Now
LEAGUE PASS ALERT. Say your team of choice isn’t play tonight in the NBA. Don’t worry about it one bit, because there are a lot of teams now that are so fun to watch you don’t need to be a fan of them to do so. But you will be one by the end of the game. The Orlando Magic are outstanding, led by a 7th placed defense who are athletic and fun as hell to watch. A few more plays of late game execution and their already impressive 12-10 record could look even better. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are in Portland making their rebuild look ahead of schedule, despite hitting the wall after a fast start to the season.
Or there’s the Dallas Mavericks, led by the brilliant Rick Carlisle whose drilled a balanced team to 12th in offense and 11th in defense despite a questionable roster. What about the Charlotte Hornets, whose already strong defense alongside their new found love of the 3 sees them ranked 7th on both ends. Then we have the Boston Celtics, whose elite defending (3rd in the NBA) and ability to score from the opportunities they create on that end has them troubling every team they play. If you simply want some highlight reel plays, chuck on the dysfunctional Sacramento Kings as DeMarcus Cousins and the revitalised Rajon Rondo wreak havok. The choices are truly endless at the moment and teams don’t have many easy nights anymore.
Kevin Durant And Russell Westbrook Are Back
They’ll tell you they were never really gone, but the Thunder’s famed duo have established themselves once again at the league’s best duo. Take a look at these statlines (per ESPN):
- Durant: 27.7ppg (53%FG, 47%3P, 90%FT), 8.1rpg, 4.2apg, 1.3bpg, 1.1spg
- Westbrook: 26.2ppg (47%FG, 84%FT), 7.3rpg, 9.9apg, 2.4spg
That is truly phenomenal for two players, let alone those on the same team. They’re currently 2nd and 3rd in the NBA in PER, and with those two healthy they can take the Thunder as far as they need to go. Billy Donovan is still figuring things out in Oklahoma City but their offense is 2nd in the league, and a defense struggling earlier in the season has already climbed back into 10th position. Golden State are rolling right now but with the Spurs and Thunder figuring things out, they might have some serious competition.
