Over the last month, a number of teams have – if only briefly – held the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. The Nuggets, Clippers, Grizzlies, and Trail Blazers have all been the top team in the West for at least a day, and the Thunder actually currently lead the conference by a mere percentage point.
Despite the fluctuating standings, there’s still little doubt that the Warriors are the clear-cut No. 1 team in the West. They’ve battled injuries, but with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green back in action, the Dubs are in the midst of a four-game winning streak and appear to be hitting their stride — and it’s just a matter of time until they’ll be able to insert another All-Star, DeMarcus Cousins, into their lineup too.
While Golden State’s hold on the top spot in the conference still seems strong, there doesn’t appear to be an obvious No. 2 team behind them. Last season, that team was the Rockets, who edged out the Warriors during the regular season and then pushed them to seven games in the Western Conference Finals. But Houston is currently the No. 14 seed in the West, with an 11-14 record.
While it’s still possible that the Rockets will turn their season around and make another deep postseason run, there appear to be stronger contenders for the title of the West’s second-best team. The five clubs mentioned above – Oklahoma City, Denver, Memphis, Portland, and the Clippers – are among those contenders.
The Thunder have the NBA’s best defensive rating and the West’s best net rating, per Basketball-Reference, despite missing Russell Westbrook for several games earlier this season. The Nuggets rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rating despite a number of injury issues of their own. The Grizzlies have one of the NBA’s best defenses, while the Blazers and Clippers rank among the league’s best offenses.
Those aren’t the only candidates for the honor of being the Warriors’ most dangerous challenger. LeBron James and the Lakers have recovered from a slow start and are just 1.5 games back of Golden State. The Jazz, who many experts viewed as a probable top-four seed entering the season, have struggled so far, but have a talented roster and one of the most favorable second-half schedules in the NBA.
What do you think? Assuming the Warriors are still the No. 1 team in the Western Conference, which team do you consider the second-best in the West? Place your vote in our poll, then head to the comment section to make the case for your choice!
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Lakers are not going to get any worse. Better if anything.
Luke, why did you leave out a team that has won 11 out of their last 15 games? And yet, include Utah, and Houston who did considerably worse!!
I didn’t want to list the entire conference, so I had to draw the line somewhere! Tried to find a balance between this year’s performances (which is why the top six teams in the West besides the Warriors are options) and last year’s performances/preseason expectations (which is why the Rockets and Jazz are options).
So when you ask the same question for the east, you’ll include the cavs? :-o
“Preseason expectations”! The Rockets had an over/under of 56.6 wins two months ago. The Jazz were at 50.5. The Cavs were at 30.5.
Boston and OKC had high preseason expectations and started slow. Now they are playing like they should be. Paul George is playing at a near MVP level. All you can tell anyone who mentions the Cavs is, they won’t be playing in the finals in the foreseeable future. Don’t worry about it.
Are you talking about the Mavs? They’ve got one of the best records over the last 15
Precisely!
The Nuggets are the 2nd best team in the West. Suffering injuries to key players currently and also haven’t had IT play a game yet.
OKC. By the EOY, maybe Denver, but they don’t have enough guys who have gone deep in the playoffs (if any) to put over OKC yet.
Millsap, Nick Young, IT have all gone deep in the playoffs
It all depends on how long Millsap, Harris, and Bartow are out. Look how long Love has been out with the toe. Millsap broke his.
That response proves my point. Two guys who haven’t played for them yet and unlikely to see much time or be on the team when it’s healthy. The other without a win past the second round. Thanks.
Seems to me the Lakers just might be starting to gel.
I’d still take the clippers over the lakers
Could this be the year we finally get Lakers vs Clippers playoff series? Lol probably not but if it were my guess Lakers 3rd vs 6th seed Clippers.
Warriors
Thunder
Lakers
Nuggets
Mavericks
Clippers
Kings(assuming they swing a good trade)
Rockets
add tha mavs
dont be disrespectful
I wanted to vote Denver, but too many injuries
Durant is still having fun. From NBC Sports he says that Jordan and Kobe are by far the best players in NBA history, and he makes people watch replays of M.J. when they come to his place.
In another NBC Sports piece via Chris Haynes of Yahoo )november 20) Durant says he envisions Steph, Klay, Draymond, and himself having statues in front of the Chase Center some day.
???
No one in the West is a threat this year.