Team of the week: Oklahoma City Thunder
24 games. 23 wins. That alone says a lot, but it’s also about how they’re doing it. The Thunder are simply untouchable right now, with 16 of those 23 victories coming by at least a 10-point margin.
They play with a sense of calm and ease, never seeming threatened, even when opponents keep it close and go all out at the end.
Last week was another example, with three comfortable wins. Even more impressive, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed Sunday's game in Utah, but even without their leader and MVP, the Thunder’s young core stepped up, turning the game into a team showcase that looks destined for a repeat championship run.
The second-best offence, top defensive rating, best net rating, third-best overall shooting percentage in the NBA - everything is going their way. Unless injuries strike, it’s hard to see what could stop a back-to-back title. Still, many have tried recently, but since the Warriors, no one has managed it. Can OKC break the curse?
Underperformers of the week: Chicago Bulls
When the Bulls won six of their first seven games, fans started dreaming of a return to glory for this legendary franchise. Since then, it’s all fallen apart - just three wins in 16 games, seven straight losses, a defence that’s falling apart, and a drop to 11th in the Eastern Conference.
The latest defeat, on Sunday against the Warriors, says it all - a 32-point blowout, no player scoring more than 20, just 36% shooting, and a clear loss in the rebounding battle. Maybe this is the real level of the Bulls, who were clearly overachieving at the start of the season.
And now the rumours are swirling, including talk of blowing up the roster for Zion Williamson. There are no stars on this team, and the loyal fanbase is starting to get restless - Chicago actually had the NBA’s highest attendance last season (according to ESPN). Maybe it’s time to tear it down and rebuild, but it’s unclear if the Bulls are up to the task...
Player of the week: Jalen Johnson
Named Player of the Week despite missing a game - that says it all. He’s been on fire since the start of the season and took it up another notch in his last two outings, posting back-to-back triple-doubles.
21/18/16 and then 30/12/12, with the first being the second-fastest triple-double ever, just behind Nikola Jokic.
That shows the level he’s playing at right now. Sure, the impact is debatable since the Atlanta Hawks are 'only' ninth in the East, but just one win away from fourth place.
He’s already the frontrunner for Most Improved Player, unless the upcoming return of Trae Young, who’s been out injured for several weeks, shakes things up.
Play of the week: Rui Hachimura & LeBron James
Things are going well for the Los Angeles Lakers, sitting third in the East and playing quality basketball. On top of that, LeBron James is back from injury and played a key role in their nail-biting win over the Raptors, delivering the assist for Rui Hachimura’s game-winning buzzer beater.
Ice in the veins for the Japanese forward, who had never pulled off such a feat before.
For the 'King', choosing to pass instead of taking the shot himself ended a historic streak: 1,297 games with at least 10 points scored - a record that will be tough to beat. In the end, it’s clear that only winning matters as his career winds down. And thankfully so...
Story of the week: Chris Paul
It was the feel-good story of the offseason. For his 'Last Dance', Chris Paul returned to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he truly became a superstar and helped create 'Lob City'.
A cherished era for Clippers fans, who haven’t had much to celebrate. But now, the news has dropped, cold as steel: the team is looking for a way out and will part ways with him.
All of it is a bit mysterious, and comes just months after he said on social media he’d retire as a Clipper. And just a week after the 'Point God' officially confirmed his upcoming retirement.
Clearly, the Clippers have a tough time handling their legends - they sent Blake Griffin to Detroit in 2018, just six months after signing him to a five-year extension!
It’s not like this franchise is overflowing with legends. At least Chris Paul has reaffirmed his intention to finish the season before hanging up his sneakers. But so far, no one’s rushing to pick him up.