As we approach the twenty matches played in this 2023/24 season, we are starting to see a little more clearly about the dynamics of the different teams, without anyone really standing out.
Best record in the NBA, Boston (14-4) is however the strongest team at the start of the season. The defense of the Joe Mazzulla men is in place (2nd with 107.1 points conceded over 100 possessions), the attack (9th with 116.9 points scored over 100 possessions) still depends a little too much on external skill but the presence of Kristaps Porzingis offers more options. Even in the absence of the Latvian or Jrue Holiday, it is serious, although the density of the squad is sometimes put to the test, since the Celtics have played matches with eight or nine…
Word to the defense for the Wolves and the Magic
Behind the Celtics, two surprises, on different scales. With the best defense at the start of the season (106.6), Minnesota (13-4) thus took the lead in the Western Conference. Rudy Gobert is back at his best and the Wolves are impressive as they can physically get their hands on a match.
Defense is also what makes us strong.Orlando (13-5) at the start of the season. Third (107.6) in the defensive rating, Jamahl Mosley’s young squad also imposes a physical challenge on their opponents, with their overall size, wingspan and power, and it works! Currently on a streak of eight consecutive victories, despite an attack that is still a little sluggish (like the Wolves), the Magic has found a smile again.
Cadors in training
We then find a dense group with very diverse profiles. Denver (13-6) is perfect at home (9-0) but suffered away (4-6) in the absence of Jamal Murray. The reigning champions must find their balance with a very young bench, which at times seemed to put Nikola Jokic on edge.
Oklahoma City (11-6) Although they have lost their last two matches, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s team is the other nice surprise of this start to the season in the West. With a Chet Holmgren who has slotted perfectly into the major five, and a stunning 3-point skill (sustainable?), the Thunder has all the weapons to qualify directly for the playoffs this season, and thus validate the young project of its GM, Sam Presti.
Philadelphia (12-6) for its part, still has difficulty managing meetings without Joel Embiid but the team remains in the Top 4 of its conference with the 2nd best attack (120.0) in the league, thanks to the contribution of Nick Nurse in this regard, with more movements and simultaneous actions. But also more rhythm.
For Milwaukee (13-5), the impression is mixed. Certainly, Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are finally tied with the Magic in the rankings and can therefore say they are satisfied with this start to the season, while a new coach and a new playmaker have arrived, but the 21st place in the rankings defenses (115.5) and the multiple matches snatched after being led testify as much to the potential as to the fragility of this group.
West, Phoenix (11-7) For his part, he is still waiting to be able to put his “Big Three” in place since Bradley Beal is squatting in the infirmary. A series of seven consecutive victories, however, put the Suns back on track, thanks to Kevin Durant then Devin Booker, but we must hope that the former Wizard does not return too late. The regular season may be a marathon, but it must be used by the big names to lay the foundations for the playoffs.
Finally, let’s not forget Dallas (11-6)currently in 3rd place in the West, even if the troop of Luka Doncic and Luka Doncic remains crumbly defensively (24th), especially in the paint, where the rookie Dereck Lively II is doing good, but will probably not be able to hold the strong one on its own over time.
In search of a better attack/defense balance, Sacramento (10-7) still seems to be in progress, notably because De’Aaron Fox missed part of the start of the season due to a sprained ankle, but also because opponents seem to be better limiting the influence of Domantas Sabonis during this campaign.
The mid-table roller coaster
A little behind, we can put New York (10-7)which relies on its defense (4th) to dominate teams with a negative record (8-0) but suffers (2-7) against teams with a positive record.
Miami (10-8), Cleveland (10-8) And LA Lakers (11-8) blow hot and cold, depending on the trips to the infirmary. These teams can therefore hope to accelerate once they have regained their strength. For Indiana (9-7)the problem is defensive while New Orleans (10-9) seems ready for launch.
For Brooklyn (9-8), Houston (8-8), Toronto (9-10) And Atlanta (8-9)the soft belly seems quite logical.
For LA Clippers (8-9) And Golden State (8-10), this is logically more worrying. Certainly, Tyronn Lue’s troop put in a good performance last night against the Kings, but that remains to be confirmed over time because the “Fab Four” must really make their mark, and above all find solutions as soon as the opponent imposes a real physical challenge. The loopholes used by the improbable duo Reggie Jackson – DeAndre Jordan must be filled at all costs. For the Warriors, the problems (ball losses, fouls, etc.) are known but have still not been resolved, and especially the historic leaders (Draymond Green and Klay Thompson) seem very tense…
And behind?
Already distanced, Utah (6-12) can try to re-enter the middle of the table, even if the surprise effect seems to have passed for Will Hardy’s troop. For Charlotte (5-11), still weighed down by injuries, a new difficult season is looming. It also smells bad for Chicago (5-14)whose implosion seems imminent.
With his mountain of injuries and Ja Morant still on the sidelines for another 8 games, following his suspension for 25 games, Memphis (4-13) can still hope to turn things around, but at the rate at which the defeats are coming one after the other for the Tennessee troop, there is an increasing risk that it is already too late.
Finally, at the very back of the class, we find the teams undergoing reconstruction, Portland (5-12), Washington (3-15), San Antonio (3-14) And Detroit (2-16)already dropped in the rankings.
The Spurs remain on 12 losses, current series, while the Pistons are doing even worse with 15 consecutive defeats, a franchise record. For these young teams, the main thing is not to give up and to show progress in this marathon of the NBA season, especially not to build bad habits for the future.
