NBA Power Rankings: The Raptors are standing on top

By Ian Levy | Dec 4, 2018

TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 29 - Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) and Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) laugh during warm-ups as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 131-128 in overtime in Toronto. November 29, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- NOVEMBER 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 30, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. team. 149. . 15-7. Previous: 4th. oklahoma city thunder

It’s kind of hard to remember right now, but the Thunder started the season with four straight losses. Since then, they’re 15-3 with 10 double-digit wins and a plus-11.4 point differential, by far the biggest in the league over that stretch. At some point, the residuals from that rough two-week start to the year will fade and we’ll have to acknowledge that Oklahoma City may be as legit a contender as any other non-Warriors team in the West.

A lot of factors are driving the surging Thunder, but the re-emergence of Nerlens Noel has been among the most fun. Over the past three games, Noel is averaging 25.6, 13.8 rebounds, 4.0 steals and 4.0 blocks per 36 minutes, shooting 77.8 percent from the field. The team’s defense has been incredible when he’s on the court and he gives their bench a frontcourt depth they haven’t had in a long time.

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