Fansided

NBA Power Rankings: Blake Griffin trade shakes things up

By Daniel Lewis

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 22: A close up shot of Blake Griffin
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 22: A close up shot of Blake Griffin /
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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 21: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Orlando Magic on January 21, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 21: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Orlando Magic on January 21, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

. . Previous: 3rd. Boston Celtics. 4. team. 18

The Celtics are in the midst of their first serious slump of the season, having lost five of their last six, but have managed to hold onto the top record in the Eastern Conference. They fell victim to the Los Angeles nightlife, dropping a game against the Lakers, 108-107. Terry Rozier made a layup to cut the lead to one, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope missed both of his free throws to give Boston a chance to steal a win, but Marcus Smart’s shot couldn’t fall at the buzzer. Kyrie Irving had 33 points, but their comeback fell short as the clock expired before they could regain the advantage.

They were able to bounce back against the other Los Angeles team, winning 113-102 to snap their losing streak. Irving had 20 points, and rookie Jayson Tatum chipped in 18, but they had a balanced night scoring and moved the ball well to avoid DeAndre Jordan’s rim protection. Irving had 37 points on an efficient 18 shots against the Warriors, but winning in Oracle against Golden State requires just a bit more, and they were defeated 109-105. The Celtics were on fire to start the game, but cooled off in the third quarter and Steph Curry was unstoppable late.

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