NBA Western Conference Latest Rankings: Timberwolves Create NBA Miracle, Warriors Receive Big Gift, Mavericks in Peril
Beijing Time January 7, 2025: Today, there were 9 NBA games, with Western Conference teams including the Clippers, Mavericks, Suns, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Spurs, Kings, and Trail Blazers participating. After the games, changes occurred in the Western Conference standings.
The Clippers played away against the Timberwolves, with Leonard making his second appearance of the season. In the first half, the Clippers had a clear advantage, leading by as much as 19 points. When everyone thought the Timberwolves were about to collapse, they made a strong comeback, even taking a 10-point lead at one point. However, the Clippers, a very resilient team, regained the lead. The two teams then took turns leading, until the last minute when Edwards hit two consecutive three-pointers to take control of the game, leading the Timberwolves to a 2-point victory over the Clippers, completing a great comeback.
Edwards scored 37 points with 14 out of 29 shots (6 out of 13 from three-point range), 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. Reid scored 18 points with 8 out of 14 shots, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Harden scored 22 points with 8 out of 22 shots, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Powell scored 25 points with 7 out of 17 shots and 6 rebounds. Zubac scored 17 points with 7 out of 11 shots, 16 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Leonard scored 8 points with 3 out of 11 shots, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists.
After the loss, the Clippers have a record of 20 wins and 16 losses, continuing to rank seventh in the West. The Timberwolves, after their win, have 18 wins and 17 losses, moving up from tenth to ninth in the West.
The Suns played away against the 76ers, with the Suns adjusting their lineup, having Beal and Njiké come off the bench. On the 76ers' side, Embiid and Drummond were absent. In the first half, the 76ers had the advantage, leading by as much as 12 points and maintaining a 4-point lead at halftime. In the third quarter, the Suns made a comeback, winning the quarter by 9 points to complete the turnaround. In the fourth quarter, the Suns expanded their lead, once leading by 15 points, and ultimately defeated the 76ers by 10 points. Durant scored 23 points with 9 out of 14 shots, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Beal scored 25 points with 10 out of 15 shots, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists. Booker scored 10 points with 3 out of 16 shots, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists, but was inaccurate in shooting. Maxey scored 31 points with 11 out of 25 shots and 10 assists. George scored 13 points with 5 out of 18 shots, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. After the win, the Suns have 16 wins and 18 losses, continuing to rank 12th in the West.
The Spurs played away against the Bulls, with the Spurs having an obvious advantage in the first three quarters, once leading by 19 points and leading by 13 points at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Spurs initially extended their lead to 15 points, but then fell into a scoring drought. The Bulls, on the other hand, continued to score, overtaking the Spurs with 47 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, the Bulls defeated the Spurs by 4 points, completing a great comeback. LaVine scored 35 points with 13 out of 25 shots, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Vučević scored 24 points with 10 out of 22 shots, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists. Wen Banyama scored 23 points with 9 out of 22 shots, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 8 blocks. Paul scored 18 points with 7 out of 13 shots, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists.
After the loss, the Spurs have 18 wins and 18 losses, dropping from eighth to tenth in the West. The Spurs' loss was a big gift to the Warriors, who did not play today, moving them up from ninth to eighth in the rankings.
The Kings played at home against the Heat, with the Kings playing back-to-back games and missing Fox, while the Heat were without Butler. Physically, the Kings were not as well-rested as their opponents. After the game started, the Heat took the upper hand, leading by as much as 17 points in the fourth quarter. The Kings then made a strong comeback, dragging the game into overtime. In the first overtime, the scores were tied, leading to a second overtime. In the second overtime, DeRozan turned on scoring mode, hitting one three-pointer and three mid-range shots to score 9 points alone, leading the Kings to a 5-point victory over the Heat, completing a great comeback. DeRozan scored 30 points with 12 out of 26 shots, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Xiaosa scored 21 points with 7 out of 16 shots, 18 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 blocks. Hachimura scored 26 points with 11 out of 25 shots, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Harkless scored 16 points with 7 out of 15 shots, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 5 steals.
After the win, the Kings have 18 wins and 19 losses, continuing to rank 12th in the West. Although their ranking is not ideal, the Kings have recently won 5 consecutive games, finding ways to win. If they continue to play like this, their ranking will improve.
The Grizzlies played at home against the Mavericks, with the Grizzlies missing Morant, Bane, Smart, and Aldama, and the Mavericks missing Dončić and Irving, both sides suffering significant losses in combat power. In the first quarter, the Mavericks suppressed the Grizzlies, taking a 10-point lead. In the second quarter, the Grizzlies made a strong comeback, winning the quarter by 11 points to complete the turnaround. In the third quarter, the Grizzlies continued to suppress the Mavericks, leading by 7 points at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies expanded their lead, ultimately defeating the Mavericks by 15 points. Jackson scored 35 points with 13 out of 23 shots, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Pippen scored 18 points with 6 out of 13 shots, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 steals. Clay scored 15 points with 5 out of 16 shots, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Washington scored 17 points with 7 out of 22 shots, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
After the win, the Grizzlies have 24 wins and 13 losses, continuing to rank third in the West, with a small gap from the second-placed Rockets (23 wins and 12 losses). The Mavericks, after their loss, have 20 wins and 16 losses, continuing to rank sixth in the West. They are currently on a five-game losing streak. Dončić has a calf strain and will be out for several weeks, while Irving has a bulging disc in his back and will be out for 1-2 weeks. The Mavericks' ranking is likely to drop. Although they are currently ranked sixth, they only lead the 12th-ranked Suns by 3 wins. If Dončić and Irving continue to be absent, the Mavericks will be in great danger.
In addition to the above games, the Trail Blazers lost by 3 points away to the Pistons today. Simmons scored 36 points with 14 out of 21 shots (8 out of 12 from three-point range), 2 rebounds, and 9 assists. Cunningham scored 32 points with 11 out of 23 shots, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists. After the loss, the Trail Blazers have 12 wins and 23 losses, continuing to rank 13th in the West.
After today's games, the rankings of the Spurs, Warriors, and Timberwolves have changed, while the rankings of other teams remain unchanged. Below are the latest Western Conference standings: