The Portland Trail Blazers remain the team of the hour and storm into the top 3 – and the Warriors are on their way down. With the Timberwolves the Super-GAU threatens, the Sixers and Thunder remain on course home advantage and the first two places remain unchanged. The power ranking in March.
From 30 to 30: Phoenix Suns (19-56, 0-12 in March). Rookie Jackson (16.2 points, 43 percent FG in March) shows more and more frequently why he was the No.4 pick last year. He and Booker can develop into a formidable duo. Otherwise, the Suns manage the rare feat of finishing last in offensive and defensive ratings over the season. Interim coach Jay Triano can still hope for a permanent position.
From 28 to 29: Memphis Grizzlies (20-54, 2-12). To lose 61 points against the Hornets is an impressive refuelling performance. There is nothing more to say about grizzly bears, for whom the season cannot end early enough. After all, they recently saved their honour against the T-Wolves.
From 24 to 28: Atlanta Hawks (21-53, 2-10). Although they are in the draw for the worst score, the Hawks sometimes show that they want to play basketball and take their games seriously. There were only a few devastating blowouts. Schröder’s career high (41 points) in his win over Utah was a great highlight of an otherwise dull final spurt of the season. Prince is recommended for a permanently larger role.
From 29 to 27: Brooklyn Nets (23-51, 3-9). When the Nets had a spectacular duel with the Raptors, Russell showed his whole class with a triple double. Just ten days earlier, also against Toronto, he scored a 24-point quarter (7/8 3FG). That there have always been defeats – for free. The team is on the right track within its capabilities.
From 25 to 26: New York Knicks (27-48, 3-10). Without Porzingis, the Knicks are one of the league’s worst teams, the defence in March was the worst (rating: 114.5). The list of injured is now also very long. After all, there are only two away games left, the rest is irrelevant but hopefully entertaining in the Garden.
From 27 to 25: Dallas Mavericks (22-51, 3-8). Of all the teams suspected of tanking, the Mavs are the strongest defenders against the accusations. They want to win games – and do so every now and then. Some fast comebacks have also underlined that morale is intact. Adhesive roll has shrunk a bit, Dirk is still fond of it and will probably continue beyond the summer. We are happy!
From 23 to 24: Orlando Magic (22-51, 4-8). Coach Vogel’s job seems to be in danger – but is more success possible with the squad he has at his disposal? Rather, it will be about finally picking reasonably in the lottery. In his victory over the Bucks, Simmons achieved a career high of 35 points, demonstrating not only that he can be a stable pillar for the future.
From 22 to 23: Chicago Bulls (24-49, 4-8). The Bulls started March with four wins and four losses – not bad. Zipser has also found his way back into the track and was happy about a few starts, Markkanen has cooled down a bit, LaVine and Dunn are injured. This is good for the veterans, who will see more playing time than they might have expected.
From 26 to 22: Sacramento Kings (24-50, 6-7). Well, who knows the only team that won twice in a regular season in the Oracle Arena in the era of Warriors coach Steve Kerr? Exactly – it’s the Kings! Also positive: Rookie Fox seems to be developing into a cheeky clutch scorer. You can build on his recent achievements!
From 20 to 21: Los Angeles Lakers (32-41, 6-7). After he had found his rhythm from downtown in the meantime, Ball hits underground again from the three-point range. In addition, there are obviously new concerns about Thomas’ hips. Ingram is also out. It’s understandable that the temporary flight of fancy is over again (four defeats from the last five games). After all, the away trip is over.
Page 1: Places 30-21
Page 2: Seats 20-11
Page 1: Places 10-1