While all teams have played more than thirty games, we are now approaching the halfway mark of the campaign, and clear trends are emerging in the NBA.
Boston (26-6) is thus still at the top, with the second offensive efficiency (120.8 points scored over 100 possessions) and the third defensive efficiency (110.4 points conceded over 100 possessions). However, there were a few trips to the infirmary that could have disrupted the team, but the hard core (Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford) did not necessarily need to be full to fuel. The sign of a solid group, sure of its strengths and above all one that functions well collectively.
The big names are ramping up
Behind the Celtics, Milwaukee (24-9) clearly ramped up in December. The attack works well behind the Damian Lillard – Giannis Antetokounmpo duo and the “role players” (Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Malik Beasley, etc.) are not clumsy either. The defense is also stabilizing, even if the last defeat against the Pacers illustrates that there is still work to be done, particularly when the outside skill is not there.
Beaten in New York, Minnesota (24-8) still remains at the head of the West. Chris Finch's team can rely on its defense, which is as physical as ever and which generally shakes up the opponents. It is the attack which can sometimes cough, like the last match against the Knicks, and which is the big point of improvement.
Rightly winner of the Wolves but also of the Nuggets, in Denver please, Oklahoma City (22-9) confirms its solidity. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a potential MVP, and the Jalen Williams – Chet Holmgren duo ideally supports him. Even though Josh Giddey has lost influence, the Thunder are much more consistent and dangerous.
Reigning champion, Denver (24-11) has logically regained balance with the return of Jamal Murray. The Nuggets are, however, still looking for collective benchmarks with their young bench. At home, it's solid (despite two defeats against the Thunder). Outside, it's much more variable…
Philadelphia (22-10) takes advantage of a Joel Embiid in MVP mode to stay in the Top 3 in the East. The good news is that the Sixers now know how to win without their center, since they have won two of the four games they have played since his injury. Even if, obviously, their superstar changes everything for them.
It is somewhat the same observation for the LA Clippers (20-12), not far from being the best team in the league over the last month of competition. Before Kawhi Leonard's injury, Tyronn Lue's team had found the right fuel, with “The Klaw” sickeningly efficient and a group that found its balance, relying on different weapons like the Harden pick-and-roll /Zubac and above all a better general tempo. The few games missed by the winger disrupted everything a little, but the good news is that he is already back.
Between injuries and alternating current
Behind this group which stands out, we find in particular Sacramento (19-12) who always tries to solidify his defense, sometimes to the detriment of his attack. The Kings are no longer the crazy gunners of last season, even if they are capable of blowing up opposing defenses. Hence a few jolts.
Still very solid in defense, Orlando (19-13) has logically fallen back into line a little, with a Paolo Banchero – Franz Wagner duo now known and expected. Not helped by a very tough schedule in recent weeks, the Magic remains a team limited offensively, particularly behind the 3-point line. Jamahl Mosley's squad thus displays the worst success percentage by far (33.2%) this season.
Miami (19-14) is doing his part with injuries and can't really get going while New Orleans (19-14) has recovered its strength and seems capable of moving up the rankings, if CJ McCollum and his teammates manage to better negotiate certain end of matches…
With its fire attack, and its foam defense, Indiana (18-14) is for his part capable of the best and the worst, when Dallas (19-15) depends almost entirely on Luka Doncic. When the Slovenian is dominant, the whole team raises its level, and can beat anyone. But the slightest drop in the “franchise player” regime is punished. The Mavs hope that the return of Kyrie Irving will limit these difficulties.
Somehow, despite the absences of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, Cleveland (18-15) stays afloat in the East. As New York (18-15)who hopes that the arrival of OG Anunoby will solidify the whole and allow Tom Thibodeau's group to move up in the conference hierarchy by the playoffs.
Questions
Phoenix (18-15) has for its part gone through a very delicate period, but the return of Bradley Beal should take the group to a new level. On the condition that the “Big Three” hold up physically and finally manage to string matches together. As the halfway point of this season approaches, the trio has only shared a handful of minutes, while there is work to be done, particularly on the defensive level, in order to fulfill the ambitions displayed by the club. …
Which way will it swing? Houston (16-15) ? Will Ime Udoka's troupe establish themselves as a real pain point in the West? Or fall back into its mistakes in the second part of the season, when the other teams manage to raise their level of play? Answer probably quite quickly.
For the LA Lakers (17-17), the next few weeks at home will be good. Darvin Ham's squad, which won the NBA Cup, is currently an average team, limited by its lack of spacing and not really clear rotations, the fault of a collective balance which has not yet been found. Will the club manage to achieve it internally? Or will it be necessary to go through a new transfer to achieve this?
Golden State (15-17) is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Like Darvin Ham in Los Angeles, Steve Kerr seems to have a hard time finding the pulse of his group. The suspension of Draymond Green obviously doesn't help, but the Warriors will have to roll up their sleeves, and perhaps clarify a few points (Klay Thompson? Andrew Wiggins? Kevon Looney?) to move forward. And hope to save their season.
HAS Brooklyn (15-18), Jacque Vaughn seeks the balance between his attack and his defense, which Cam Thomas symbolizes perfectly. On the side ofAtlanta (13-19) And Toronto (13-20), we are in the middle and things could therefore change between now and the “trade deadline”. The soft underbelly isn't exactly a popular spot in the NBA.
It's going up or it can go up
Chicago (15-19) And Utah (15-19) For their part, they seem to be finding rhythm, after a complicated start to the season. If Zach LaVine blends into the new collective energy of the Bulls, Billy Donovan's troop can hope to have a great second half of the season.
On the side of Memphis (10-22), it is the return from suspension of Ja Morant that changes everything, even if the four initial victories were followed by three defeats. Opponents quickly remembered how strong the point guard was at attacking the paint, and the Grizzlies have work to do to get back to their best. Especially since they have to do it with absentees (Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke) and with a hell of a delay in lighting…
And at the back of the class?
For Portland (9-23), Charlotte (7-24), Washington (6-26), San Antonio (5-27) And Detroit (3-30), the season already seems to be over. The only interest being to see how the Blazers, the Hornets, the Wizards, the Spurs and the Pistons will experience the rest of the campaign, and how they will manage to progress in order to prepare for the future.
In a closed league like the NBA, it is tempting to give up in the hope of bouncing back the following season, depending on the summer adaptations. But for the coaches of the teams concerned, the whole challenge is precisely not to let the players fall into this type of attitude. Because that’s where bad habits are created.
