NBA Power Rankings – Risers and Fallers after a wild opening week

The LA Clippers had possibly first place in our latest NBA Power leaderboards thanks to an impressive 2-0 start – a win of the season against the Los Angeles Lakers and a Christmas Day triumph against the Denver Nuggets.

Then Sunday happened.

In a matinee showdown, the Dallas Mavericks built a 50-point lead at halftime on the Clippers en route to a 124-73 win, the worst clip loss in team history.

And they weren’t alone during a wild Sunday that saw the Milwaukee Bucks lose to the New York Knicks at 20 and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Philadelphia 76ers at 24.

Where is that for us? All 30 teams are here one week after the start of the 2020-21 campaign.

Note: During the regular season, our panel (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Nick Friedell, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Eric Woodyard, Royce Young, and Ohm Youngmisuk) rates all 30 teams from top to bottom and takes stock of the teams that are playing the best basketball now and which teams look the most like title contenders.

Previous ranking: week 1

1. Los Angeles Lakers
Record 2020-21: 2-1
Previous ranking: 1st

The Lakers offensive stuttered on opening night, racking up just 109 points at 46.9% shooting (31% of 3) against the Clippers before exploding over the next two games. LA put 138 points on Dallas in its next game, with three players scoring 20 or more points and scoring five double-digit points, and then 127 points on Minnesota – in a game knocked out by Anthony Davis – with six players scoring 10 or more . – – McMenamin

In this week: POR, @SA, @SA, @MEM

2. Brooklyn Networks
Record 2020-21: 2-1
Previous ranking: 4th

The Nets ended with an uncomfortable loss to the Hornets, but the opening week of the season saw a significant win. The Nets looked amazing in their first two games, bleeding the Warriors out and taking the lead against the Celtics in the second half. Additionally, in all three games, Kevin Durant showed no signs of difficulty returning from his Achilles tendon injury. And his partnership with Kyrie Irving began to run, with the duo playing against each other and in good rhythm. However, the loss to the Hornets has brought to light the concern of some of the networks: the lack of a consistent third scorer. – – Young

In this week: MEM, ATL, ATL, WHAT

3. LA Clippers
Record 2020-21: 2-1
Previous ranking: 3rd

If the first two games were a psychiatric test to see where the Clippers were mentally after their bladder collapse, Tyronn Lue’s team passed. They watched large leads fade, but held on to spoil the Lakers Ring Night and Denver’s Christmas. But after losing a bloody Kawhi Leonard in that win against the Nuggets, the Clippers failed to kick off the matinee on Sunday, were a historic 50 points behind at halftime and suffered the worst loss in franchise history to Dallas. – – Youngmisuk

In this week: MIN, POR, @UTAH, @PHX

4. Milwaukee Bucks
2020-21 record: 1-2
Previous ranking: 2nd

Milwaukee started the season 2-1 after a 20-point defeat in New York on Sunday. This is the Bucks’ second biggest loss under coach Mike Budenholzer. The Bucks are the fifth team in the last 30 seasons to be a favorite with 13 or more points and to lose more than 20 points according to ESPN Stats & Information Research. Milwaukee is still trying to find a groove with its new additions, particularly former all-star Jrue Holiday. Reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo is also trying to lead his team in the right direction after a shortened off-season. – – Woodyard

In this week: @MIA, @MIA, CHI

5. Miami Heat
Record 2020-21: 1-1
Previous ranking: 5th

Erik Spoelstra’s team found its rhythm on Christmas Day in a nice win against the Pelicans. Duncan Robinson’s development continues to give other teams outside fits and the activity of rookie Precious Achiuwa bodes well for further development. The Heat will continue to watch Jimmy Butler’s minutes – especially after leaving the game on Friday with an ankle injury. – – Friedell

In this week: MIL, MIL, @DAL

6. Philadelphia 76ers
Record 2020-21: 2-1
Previous ranking: 7th

It was a disappointing opening week for Philadelphia under Doc Rivers as the 76s looked pretty nondescript as they defeated the Wizards and Knicks before being chased away by the Cavaliers. Something else to monitor is Joel Embiid’s back as he was a late scratch from Sunday’s game in Cleveland with back pain. – – Bontemps

In this week: TOR, @ORL, CHA

7. Boston Celtics
2020-21 record: 1-2
Previous ranking: 6th

Boston is a miracle that deviates from the 0-3 start into the season by 3 pointers. Yes, the Celtics played against three top teams in the east, but the combination of lack of depth and lack of hit, especially without Kemba Walker, is glaring. By the time he’s recovered, this team will likely fight. – – Bontemps

In this week: @IND, MEM, @DET, @DET

8. Utah Jazz
Record 2020-21: 1-1
Previous ranking: 12

Bojan Bogdanovic could take some time to get back in shape after recovering from the wrist surgery that prevented him from playing in the bladder. Bogdanovic, who was only released for contact at the beginning of training camp, is only 8 out of 30 off the ground in the first two jazz games. – – MacMahon

In this week: @OKC, PHX, LAC, @SA

9. Denver Nuggets
Record 2020-21: 0-2
Previous ranking: 8

Nikola Jokic didn’t miss a single shot, just missed the start of the season with successive triple doubles for a rebound. But Jamal Murray looked like he left his shot in the bladder until he finally faced the Clippers in the second half. So far, Denver has missed glue players in two games such as Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee and Torrey Craig. Michael Porter Jr. takes more than the nine shots he got against the Clippers. – – Youngmisuk

In this week: HOU, @SAC, PHX, @MIN

10. Indiana Pacers
Record 2020-21: 3-0
Previous ranking: 16th

Indiana got off to a strong start with wins against New York, Chicago and Boston. The Pacers had 21-0 and 18-0 runs against the Bulls on Saturday. Indiana became the first team to run multiple runs 18-0 or better in a game since the Hawks beat the Grizzlies on March 1, 1998, according to Elias Sports Bureau. – – Woodyard

In this week: BOS, CLE, NY

11. Phoenix Suns
Record 2020-21: 2-1
Previous ranking: 13th

This only in: The suns can Lose games. Phoenix dropped their first regular season game since March 10, after winning eight straight games in the bubble. They also avenged that one loss a night later by fielding the same Kings squad that defeated them. So far, Chris Paul has proven his Point God status in the Suns’ first three games with 27 assists and only five turnovers. – – Lopez

In this week: NO, @UTAH, @DEN, LAC

12. Dallas Mavericks
2020-21 record: 1-2
Previous ranking: 10

After an embarrassing Christmas defeat to the Lakers, the Mavs had intense training that focused on the defensive end of the floor. Dallas responded by giving the Clippers the lead at 51. “We showed who we are,” said Luka Doncic after the win on Sunday. “People judged us by the first two games of the season. It’s been a long season, but we have to keep going. We have to play defense. That is our specialty from now on.” – – MacMahon

In this week: CHA, MIA, @CHI

13. Portland Trail Blazer
Record 2020-21: 1-1
Previous ranking: 9th

CJ McCollum’s 44-point Supernova eruption – including the game winner – against the Rockets gave the Blazers a decent opening week after suffering an ugly 20-point loss to Jazz. However, both games showed some early concerns for Portland. As in previous seasons, the bank of blazers was inconsistent. The bench was an off-season focus with a few additions, and it may jell as the season progresses; But it’s not a good sign if Gary Trent Jr., one of your top banking guns, only plays six minutes and goes goalless against Houston. – – Young

In this week: @LAL, @LAC, @GS, @GS

14. New Orleans Pelicans
Record 2020-21: 2-1
Previous ranking: 14th

The Pelicans won their first two games of the season by leaning on Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson – and by playing defense. In both victories, the pelicans kept their opponents below 100 points. They just did that four Times in 72 games a season ago. Some of this has to do with pace, but the Pelicans have been determined to get better defensively this season, and they seem to be. – – Lopez

In this week: @ PHX, @ OKC, TOR

15. Toronto Raptors
Record 2020-21: 0-2
Previous ranking: 11

After two disappointing losses at the opening of the year, Toronto has two games under .500 for the first time in seven years. Is that a sign of regression for the Raptors or just a sloppy start? A showdown with the Sixers and a rematch with the Pelicans this week is an opportunity to find out. – – Bontemps

In this week: @PHI, NY, @NO

16. Atlanta Hawks
Record 2020-21: 2-0
Previous ranking: 22

After the Hawks weren’t invited to the bubble, Trae Young had to wait more than nine months to play an organized basketball game. However, he started his regular season with a bang – he scored 37 points on 12 attempts on goal. That’s most of the points ever with 12 or fewer shot attempts in the shot watch era. He followed with an effort of 36 points to get the Hawks off to a 2-0 start. – – Lopez

In this week: DET, @BKN, @BKN, CLE

17. San Antonio Spurs
Record 2020-21: 2-1
Previous ranking: 20th

DeMar DeRozan went 9:35 from the depth last season, just over half a try from the depth per game. He has already made eight 3-point attempts this season as he appears to be taking more of what the offense gives him. He’s also making the right decisions, averaging 9.0 assists per game, as he oversees a Spurs team that balances the veteran’s minutes with those of some of their younger players. – – Lopez

In this week: LAL, LAL, UTAH

18. Orlando Magic
Record 2020-21: 3-0
Previous ranking: 19

Hottest team in basketball in a week? The Magic can make a strong case to start the fourth quarter with a victory over the Wizards after falling 17 points. Steve Clifford’s team plays tough early on and gets a big boost from young guard Markelle Fultz and veteran Terrence Ross. The couple scored 52 points in their win on Sunday. – – Friedell

In this week: @ OKC, PHI, OKC

19. Houston Rockets
2020-21 record: 0-1
Previous ranking: 18th

James Harden and Christian Wood might not be teammates for long, but the Rockets’ award-winning free agent acquisition seems like a phenomenally offensive addition to the perennial MVP candidate. Seven of Harden’s 17 assists in the Rockets opener went to Wood, who had 31 points in 14-of-22, including six dunks. “”[Wood] does a lot of things well, “said Harden, who had 44 points.” He made me look good tonight. “- MacMahon

In this week: @ DEN, SAC, SAC

20. Sacramento Kings
Record 2020-21: 2-1
Previous ranking: 25

When De’Aaron Fox – fresh from signing his five-year maximum extension this off-season – was good, so were the kings. The young point guard averaged 22.5 points with 44% shooting and seven assists in the 2-0 start of Sacramento. Then, in Game 3, he was less than outstanding – 12 points in 4v12, 4 assists, 5 fouls, 5 turnovers – and the Kings lost 116-100 to Phoenix. The success or absence of Sacramento will follow the fox. – – McMenamin

In this week: DEN, @HOU, @HOU

21. Minnesota Timberwolves
Record 2020-21: 2-1
Previous ranking: 23

The left wrist injury to Karl-Anthony Towns disrupted a really positive opening week for the Wolves, which saw its significance fully in the loss to the Lakers on Sunday. But the wolves are young and growing, and there are encouraging takeaways, especially Anthony Edwards’ solid start to his career. In addition, Towns’ injury is not as bad as originally feared. He should be back soon, and the Wolves can try to regain some of that dynamic. – – Young

In this week: @ LA, WHAT, DEN

22. Cleveland Cavaliers
Record 2020-21: 3-0
Previous ranking: 30

The Cavs are 3-0 in the season for the first time since 2016/17 (and for the first time since 2000-01 without LeBron James on the squad). Collin Sexton averaged 27 points, Andre Drummond averaged 14.7 rebounds and Darius Garland averaged 8.3 assists in wins against Charlotte, Detroit (in double overtime) and a Philadelphia team that Joel Embiid missed. Kevin Love (cocked right calf) will have an MRI this week. – – McMenamin

In this week: NY, @IND, @ATL

23. Memphis Grizzlies
Record 2020-21: 0-2
Previous ranking: 17th

Ja Morant has made a sensational start to his second season, setting a Grizzlies record for most points (72) in the first two games of a season. But the understaffed Grizzlies have fallen apart when Morant rests. The Grizzlies have a 30 point lead with their young star on the bench in the 27 minutes. – – MacMahon

In this week: @BKN, @BOS, @CHA, LAL

24. Golden State Warriors
2020-21 record: 1-2
Previous ranking: 15th

Damion Lee’s game winner on Sunday night over the Bulls saved the Warriors from a 3-0 start. Stephen Curry will get rolling after a slow start, as evidenced by his 36 points on Sunday, but it’s Kelly Oubre Jr.’s shooting that affects the Warriors. He is now 0-17 behind the arch to start the year and continues to look uncomfortable as he tries to adjust to Steve Kerr’s system. – – Friedell

In this week: @ DET, POR, POR

25. Washington Wizards
Record 2020-21: 0-3
Previous ranking: 21

Russell Westbrook is back on his triple-double path in DC and Bradley Beal has no problem scoring alongside his new point guard. But the wizards still can’t stop when they need them. They dropped 40, 38 and 43 points in their three losses to the Sixers and Magic in the fourth quarter. The wizards are still not at full strength, Davis Bertans only has a minute limit and Rui Hachimura (eyes) is still out. – – Youngmisuk

In this week: CHI, CHI, @MIN, @BKN

26. Oklahoma City Thunder
Record 2020-21: 1-0
Previous ranking: 26

There is an odd purgatory for refueling – um, repositioning – teams where the current team is still playing games with the current players and trying to win them. After a strange – and somewhat fitting – start that postponed the first game, the Thunder are 1-0 after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hits a game winner against the Hornets. That’s the thing about a tanking team: there will be a few more good nights, but the final minutes, when OKC was almost 13 points ahead in 90 seconds, were a good example of the fact that there will be a lot of rough nights too. – – Young

In this week: UTAH, ORL, NO, @ORL

27. New York Knicks
2020-21 record: 1-2
Previous ranking: 29

Who would have thought that Tom Thibodeau’s first win as head coach of the Knicks would lead to a win over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the bucks? While rookie Obi Toppin’s calf injury is a disappointment, Julius Randle was great to start the season for New York – as was Alec Burks off the bench. – – Bontemps

In this week: @CLE, @TOR, @IND

28. Charlotte Hornets
2020-21 record: 1-2
Previous ranking: 27

The Hornets won a much-needed win against Kevin Durant and the Nets on Sunday night who saved the start of their season. After two straight defeats to the Cavaliers and a rebuilt Thunder team, Gordon Hayward showed the star potential the Hornets are banking on by losing 28 points, seven assists and six rebounds on one of the most fascinating teams in the league. – – Friedell

In this week: @DAL, MEM, @PHI

29. Detroit Pistons
Record 2020-21: 0-2
Previous ranking: 28

After a busy off season, the Butts are still working on mounting pains with many new faces on the lineup. Detroit dropped its season opener in Minnesota, then its home opener in double extra time to Cleveland on Saturday. The new General Manager Troy Weaver caused a stir in the team, but there is still a lot to do before the guys start whining. – – Woodyard

In this week: @ ATL, GS, BOS, BOS

30. Chicago Bulls
Record 2020-21: 0-3
Previous ranking: 24

Despite a new coach and a new front office regime, the Bulls were beaten by 39 points in their first two games. According to ESPN Stats & Information Research, this is the worst point difference in the first two games of a season in franchise history. It also happened in 2001-02 when the team went 21-61. But the Sunday night loss – a one-point heartbreaker for the Warriors – could have hurt the most. – – Woodyard

In this week: @WAS, @WAS, @MIL, DAL