NBA Power Rankings: Cavaliers are right where they want to be

Jun 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with guard Kyrie Irving (2) in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 115-101. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

27 of 30

Nov 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

149. After easily handling business in the Thunder’s biggest game of the season (the return of Dion Waiters to Oklahoma City) the Oklahoma City Thunder jumped on the Miami Heat early and often and didn’t let up. At one point OKC went on a 20-0 run and all 20 points were either scored or assisted by Russell Westbrook. Russell Westbrook’s solo act with the Oklahoma City Thunder has been a joy to behold a week into the year. Much like his awesome Jordan Brand commercial Westbrook now gets to do what he wants for the lack of a better term. Westbrook is one rebound per game and 0.3 assists per game away from averaging a triple-double (oh and he’s only 0.5 points per game away from being the league’s leading scorer). The Thunder haven’t looked as clean as the trio of teams ranked above them, but they’ve found ways to win ugly games. Aside from having Kevin Durant go supernova on them in the Bay Area, OKC has found a way to win close game after close game on their way to a tie for the best record in the Western Conference. Not too bad for a team that many had counted out of title contention the moment that Durant announced he would be leaving the Thunder on the Fourth of July. Victor Oladipo and Steven Adams made noise this past week when they both became multi-millionaires after signing $84 million and $100 million dollar extensions respectively. If Oklahoma City is to keep up this hot start they are going to need both players at their best. In Year Two of his NBA tenure, Billy Donovan has seemingly found the right balance between letting Westbrook be Westbrook and ingratiating his motion offense. The second unit is troubling, Enes Kanter seems to be the only rotation caliber player in the grouping for now, but as long as Westbrook is around he won’t let them down. The Brodie is coming for the MVP trophy and The Brodie gets what The Brodie wants.. . . Oklahoma City Thunder. 4. team

Home/NBA