NBA Western Conference Latest Rankings: Spurs Create NBA Miracle, Lakers Receive Big Gift, 5 Teams Swap Rankings
Beijing time January 4, 2025, today's NBA has 9 games, the Lakers, Nuggets, Thunder, Mavericks, Rockets, Spurs, Grizzlies, Kings, Pelicans participated in it, after the game, the Western Conference rankings have changed.
The Mavericks played at home against the Cavaliers, lacking Doncic and Irving, their insufficient combat power was not an opponent of the Cavaliers, the Cavaliers quickly took a big lead, once leading by 27 points, in the fourth quarter garbage time the Mavericks narrowed the gap, eventually the Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks with a 12-point advantage. Mobley made 14 of 21 shots for 34 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, while Grammes made 9 of 14 shots for 26 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists.
After the loss, the Mavericks dropped from fifth to sixth in the West with a record of 20 wins and 15 losses. The Mavericks have recently been plagued by injuries, and Doncic will be out for several weeks, so their ranking is expected to continue to decline.
The Nuggets hosted the Spurs, with the Nuggets missing Gordon and the Spurs missing Sohan. On paper, the Nuggets had the advantage, but the game process was unexpected. In the first half, the Spurs suppressed the Nuggets, once leading by 12 points. At halftime, the Spurs led by 8 points. In the third quarter, Jokic scored 18 points in a single quarter, leading the Nuggets to overtake by 3 points. In the fourth quarter, the two sides alternated the lead. With 2 minutes left in the game, the Nuggets led by 5 points. It was thought that the Nuggets would win the game, but unexpectedly, the Spurs played an excellent performance on both ends of the court in the last 2 minutes, scoring 10-2 against the Nuggets in the last 2 minutes, ultimately defeating the Nuggets by 3 points and creating a miracle.
Wen Ban亚马 made 14 of 22 shots (4 of 6 from three-point range) for 35 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. Paul made 3 of 11 shots for 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists. Vassell made 7 of 16 shots for 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jokic made 15 of 36 shots for 41 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists. Porter made 9 of 14 shots for 22 points and 4 rebounds. Murray made 6 of 17 shots for 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists. Wen Ban亚马's performance in this game surpassed Jokic, the best player in the league.
After the victory, the Spurs improved to 18 wins and 16 losses, moving up from 10th to eighth in the West. The Timberwolves, who did not play today, dropped from eighth to tenth. The Nuggets fell to fifth in the West with a record of 19 wins and 14 losses after the loss. The Nuggets and Mavericks both lost today, giving the Lakers a big gift. The Lakers, who won today, were able to surpass them in the standings.
The Lakers hosted the Hawks, playing back-to-back games with less energy than the Hawks. It was thought that the Hawks could compete with the Lakers, but unexpectedly, the Lakers dominated the entire game and eventually beat the Hawks by 17 points. James made 13 of 20 shots for 30 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Davis made 6 of 17 shots for 18 points, 19 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks, making it difficult for the Hawks to attack the basket. Trae Young made 10 of 22 shots for 33 points and 9 assists. After the victory, the Lakers improved to 20 wins and 14 losses, moving up from sixth to fourth in the West.
The Thunder hosted the Knicks, missing Chet and playing back-to-back games with less energy than the Knicks. The Thunder took a slight lead in the first quarter, winning by 3 points. In the second quarter, the Knicks completely defeated the Thunder, winning by 15 points to take the lead. The Thunder recovered 4 points in the third quarter, and at the end of the third quarter, the Knicks led by 8 points. In the fourth quarter, the Thunder put on a strong performance, winning by 18 points against the Knicks to complete the comeback, eventually beating the Knicks by 10 points and winning their 14th consecutive victory. Alexander made 12 of 26 shots for 33 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Jalen made 8 of 17 shots for 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Towns made 7 of 13 shots for 17 points, 22 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Brunson made 9 of 23 shots for 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists.
After the victory, the Thunder remained atop the West with a record of 29 wins and 5 losses. They were able to maintain an astonishing record without Chet, and the Thunder have entered the ranks of the league's top teams. Once Chet returns, the Thunder will have the ability to win the championship.
The Kings hosted the Grizzlies, with the Kings missing Murray and the Grizzlies missing Morant, Aldama, and Smart, suffering significant combat losses. In the first quarter, the Kings had a clear advantage, taking a 14-point lead. In the second quarter, the Grizzlies recovered 8 points, and in the third quarter, they recovered another 4 points. At the end of the third quarter, the Kings still led by 2 points. In the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies once overtook the score, but it was all for naught, and the Kings eventually defeated the Grizzlies by 5 points. Monk made 11 of 20 shots for 31 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists, DeRozan made 10 of 18 shots for 29 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, Wells made 11 of 16 shots for 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, and Jackson made 9 of 21 shots for 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
After the loss, the Grizzlies remained second in the West with a record of 23 wins and 12 losses. The Kings improved to 16 wins and 19 losses after the victory, remaining 12th in the West, and they are only 0.5 games behind the Suns.
The Rockets hosted the Celtics, missing Smith, Thompson, and Ethan, while the Celtics were without Brown and Horford, giving the Celtics a clear advantage. They won by 6 points in the first quarter, 3 points in the second quarter, and 1 point in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, they quickly expanded their lead and eventually beat the Rockets by 23 points. Tatum made 7 of 19 shots for 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, White made 8 of 16 shots for 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, Jalen Green made 10 of 21 shots for 27 points and 3 rebounds, and Shen Jing made 6 of 15 shots for 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
After the loss, the Rockets remained third in the West with a record of 22 wins and 12 losses. The Rockets are also currently plagued by injuries, with Smith suffering a fractured left hand and expected to miss 4 to 8 weeks of play, which may cause their ranking to drop.
In addition to the above games, the Pelicans beat the Wizards by 12 points today, with McCollum exploding for 50 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists on 18 of 27 shooting (10 of 16 from three-point range). After the victory, the Pelicans remained at the bottom of the West with a record of 6 wins and 29 losses.
After today's games, the rankings of the Lakers, Nuggets, Mavericks, Spurs, and Timberwolves have changed, and here is the Western Conference ranking situation after today's games: