TOP TEN
(Records through Thursday) 1. San Antonio (16-3): No Duncan? No problem. 2. Boston (15-2): Grinding down the East. 3. Phoenix (15-4): Still scratching the surface.
(Records through Thursday)
1. San Antonio (16-3):
No Duncan? No problem.
2. Boston (15-2):
Grinding down the East.
3. Phoenix (15-4):
Still scratching the surface.
4. Orlando (16-4):
Team "D" drastically improved.
5. Detroit (13-5):
Won 7 of 8 with subpar Hamilton.
6. Utah (13-6):
Jerry Sloan gets contract extension.
7. Denver (12-8):
A.I. scores 51 and 35 in back-to-backs.
8. Dallas (12-8):
What's up with the defense?
9. New Orleans (12-7):
Beating contenders, losing to pretenders.
10. L.A. Lakers (11-8):
Winning with small ball.
Moving up:
Golden State (already won six road games after winning 12 last year).
26. Charlotte (6-11):
Okafor wants to touch the ball more.
27. 76ers (6-13):
Only 4-7 at home after Friday's win.
28. Seattle (4-15):
Robert Swift injured. Again.
29. Miami (4-14):
Shaq, Riles are carping like an old married couple.
30. Minnesota (2-15):
Dancers on Web site. Good idea.
Falling down: L.A. Clippers
(longest losing streak in three years).