Power Rankings - Celtics up to #5!

[The One]

http://www.nba.com/powerrankings

"Record: 23-14
Pace: 98.4 (18) OffRtg: 108.3 (7) DefRtg: 105.6 (18) NetRtg: +2.7 (#8)

The Celtics are making the most of their home-heavy January schedule. They're 3-0 this month, holding a four-game winning streak and a five-game home winning streak. They've made at least 17 3-pointers in each of their last four games, something they'd done just three times prior in the history of the franchise. And the onslaught really comes in the third and fourth quarters. Over their last 10 games, they've scored 105 points per 100 possessions in the first half and 124 in the second half, never scoring less than 57 points after halftime. At 16.0 points per game, Isaiah Thomas ranks second in second half scoring."...WOW!

[green_bballers13]

I imagine when the playoffs start, the Celtics should be a top 10 team in the NBA. I find this to be impressive, given that they are effectively rebuilding. What other teams can come close to this?

[SHAQATTACK]

If ....perhaps the Celtics can beat the Raptors away

Then they may garner some of the respect they covet from the league.

We shall see.

[green_bballers13]

If ....perhaps the Celtics can beat the Raptors away

Then they may garner some of the respect they covet from the league.

We shall see.

I think they already have the respect. NBA.com says they are a top 5 team, without a superstar. Kevin Durant put Boston on his short list. They have more championships in NBA history than any other team. Some around the league think that Brad is a great coach. Many fear making moves with Danny Ainge, b/c they think he's going to beat them in a transaction.

I don't think respect is what they are lacking. I think they are lacking a transcendent talent to couple with solid/good players. Good thing we have high draft picks coming!

[The One]

And if that doesn't brighten your day...how about this?

http://www.nba.com/powerrankings

#30 - Nets

"Brooklyn Nets
Record: 8-28
Pace: 104.1 (1) OffRtg: 101.0 (27) DefRtg: 108.4 (27) NetRtg: -7.5 (30)

The Nets cemented their spot in the Eastern Conference and Power Rankings basements with another loss to the Sixers on Sunday. And they probably won't have another chance to climb out of either until they play the Heat twice in the last seven days of January. They've had some decent defensive games of late (they held the Cavs to just 43 percent shooting and nine threes on Friday), but have scored less than a point per possession as they've lost 11 of their last 12. Only three of those 12 games were against teams that rank in the top 10 defensively, but five of their next eight (including two against New Orleans) will be."