Cavaliers Rank Fourth, Knicks Fifth in Latest ESPN Power Poll; Wizards Slide to Bottom
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The Cleveland Cavaliers landed at No. 4 in ESPN’s newest NBA power rankings, trailing only the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the Denver Nuggets and the Detroit Pistons. The placement comes despite Cleveland’s 121-119 overtime loss to the Miami Heat on Monday.
ESPN noted the Cavaliers’ offensive surge: the unit ranked eighth league-wide heading into Wednesday’s rematch in Miami and will start a season-long six-game homestand afterward. The uptick has coincided with guard Darius Garland returning from offseason left-toe surgery; however, Garland exited Monday’s game with renewed pain in the same toe and has been ruled out for the follow-up meeting, along with several teammates.
Knicks Hold Fifth Spot
The New York Knicks sit one place behind Cleveland at No. 5, powered by an unbeaten run at Madison Square Garden during a seven-game homestand. New York posted 137 points against the Timberwolves and 134 against the Nets, showing a potent attack even while ranking 22nd in pace.
Guard Josh Hart has quietly rediscovered his rhythm after going scoreless in 15 minutes at Chicago earlier this month. Since then, he’s averaging nearly 14 points and eight rebounds while shooting 53 percent from three-point range off the bench.
Wizards Anchor the List
The Washington Wizards occupy the final slot in ESPN’s standings after an 0-4 week extended their losing streak to nine. Recent outings have been more competitive: Washington led both Dallas and Detroit in crunch time, ultimately falling to the Pistons in overtime despite a 42-point performance from veteran guard CJ McCollum.
Additional highlights from McCollum could help Washington secure draft assets at February’s trade deadline. The franchise has not topped 50 wins since the 1978-79 season, the year of its last NBA Finals appearance—a seven-game loss to Lenny Wilkens’ Seattle SuperSonics.
Source: Hoops Wire
