NBA Western Conference Latest Rankings: Rockets Create NBA Miracle, Nuggets Receive Big Gift, Suns in Peril
Beijing Time January 2, 2025, Today there are 8 NBA games, involving the Nuggets, Rockets, Mavericks, Kings, Pelicans, and Jazz. After the games, the Western Conference rankings have changed.
The Rockets hosted the Mavericks at home, with the Mavericks missing Doncic and Marshall, and the Rockets missing Amon Thompson and Ison. In the first quarter, the Mavericks suppressed the Rockets and took a 6-point lead. In the second quarter, the Mavericks once led by 10 points, but then the Rockets launched a terrifying offensive to overtake the score. At halftime, the Rockets led by 9 points. In the third quarter, the Rockets expanded their advantage, leading by 14 points after three quarters. In the fourth quarter, the Rockets stabilized their advantage and eventually defeated the Mavericks by 11 points. Shen Jing made 9 of 16 shots for 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 steals, while Irving made 7 of 13 shots for 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.
After the victory, the Rockets have a record of 22 wins and 11 losses, maintaining their third place in the West. This season, the Rockets have faced the Mavericks twice and won both times, faced the Clippers three times and won all three, faced the Grizzlies once and won, and also defeated the Thunder once. The Rockets' performance against strong Western Conference teams has been outstanding, and their growth rate this season can be called a miracle.
After the loss, the Mavericks have a record of 20 wins and 14 losses, giving the Nuggets a big gift. The Nuggets, who won today, surpassed the Mavericks in the rankings and moved up to fourth in the West, while the Mavericks dropped to fifth.
The Nuggets hosted the Hawks at home, with the Nuggets missing Gordon and the Hawks missing Johnson. In the first quarter, the Nuggets suppressed the Hawks and took a 7-point lead. In the second quarter, the Hawks recovered 4 points, and at halftime, the Nuggets led by 3 points. In the third quarter, the Nuggets completely defeated the Hawks, winning the quarter by 17 points. In the fourth quarter, except for Murray, the main players of the Nuggets did not play again, and the Nuggets eventually won by 19 points over the Hawks. Jokic played less than 30 minutes, making 8 of 16 shots for 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 15 assists, while Westbrook made 5 of 6 shots for 16 points and 11 assists, and Trae Young made 8 of 17 shots for 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists.
After the victory, the Nuggets have a record of 19 wins and 13 losses, surpassing the Mavericks who lost today in the rankings, moving from fifth to fourth in the West.
The Pelicans visited the Heat, with the Pelicans missing Ingram and Zion. They were not a match for the Heat, as they were suppressed throughout the game and ultimately lost by 11 points. Herro made 11 of 22 shots for 32 points, 1 rebound, and 4 assists, Adebayo made 9 of 14 shots for 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, and Murphy made 11 of 24 shots for 34 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. After the loss, the Pelicans have a record of 5 wins and 29 losses, continuing to rank last in the West.
The Jazz visited the Knicks, with the Knicks missing Brunson. In the first quarter, the Jazz performed well, leading the Knicks by 1 point. However, in the subsequent games, the Knicks showed their advantage, overtaking the score in the second quarter and maintaining the lead. Ultimately, the Knicks won by 16 points over the Jazz. Towns made 10 of 20 shots for 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists, Bridges made 12 of 17 shots for 27 points and 1 rebound, and Sexton made 10 of 13 shots for 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. After the loss, the Jazz have a record of 7 wins and 25 losses, continuing to rank 14th in the West.
The Kings hosted the 76ers, with the Kings missing Murray and the 76ers missing Embiid and Oubre. In the first quarter, the 76ers took the upper hand, leading by 5 points. In the second quarter, the Kings caught up with the score difference, and at halftime, both sides were tied. In the third quarter, the 76ers suppressed the Kings again, leading by 9 points after three quarters. In the fourth quarter, Fox was unstoppable, scoring 14 points in a single quarter to lead the Kings to complete the comeback, and the Kings eventually defeated the 76ers by 6 points. Fox made 13 of 16 shots for 35 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, Xiaosa made 8 of 14 shots for 17 points, 21 rebounds, and 7 assists, George made 11 of 20 shots for 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Maxi made 10 of 23 shots for 27 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals.
After the victory, the Kings have a record of 15 wins and 19 losses, continuing to rank 12th in the West. However, the gap between them and the Suns has narrowed to only one win. The Suns are currently plagued by injuries, and the Kings have the hope of surpassing the Suns in the rankings.
Below is the Western Conference ranking situation after today's games.