Teams of the week
There's no debate: both conferences have a standout team. In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to roll, and last night, they picked up their 10th consecutive win against the weak Hornets. The Cavs' magical quartet is continuing to work its magic, and with the West's heavyweights falling one after the other of late, all is well in Ohio.
Things are even better for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are on a 15-game winning streak. And, like the Cavs, they have been unstoppable against the top teams in the East, with the Knicks and Celtics falling to them. All of this was achieved with a polished game from the brilliant Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
How can you tell who is superior between these two teams who have only lost nine games overall this season? As luck would have it, the first head-to-head meeting of the season will take place in Ohio on Wednesday night. It's a match that should leave a lasting impression.
Underachievers of the week
It's impossible not to mention the current period for the Phoenix Suns. Since the Arizona franchise picked up Bradley Beal in 2023, they have been seen as contenders. The problem is that the former Wizards man hasn't fit in, and the figures look cruel.
The Suns are now 12th, with a miserable 15-18 record. Phoenix won nine of their first 11 games of the season. No need to be a maths expert, they now have six wins and 16 losses in the last 22 games. A tanking pace for a team aiming for the title. Something is going to have to change in Arizona.
Player of the week
Of course, Nikola Jokic was incredible again, but this week marked the awakening of the New Orleans Pelicans. And in particular, CJ McCollum, who has raised his level. It has been complicated for the franchise, given that the season is already dead with too many injuries suffered, in particular that of Zion Williamson.
But the former Blazer put in a week averaging 35 points, culminating in a career-high 50 against the Wizards in the first of two encounters that gave New Orleans their first two wins since December 6th. It wasn't enough to save the season, but at least it put a little positivity in the heart of a franchise that has been unlucky in recent years.
Play of the week
Stroke of genius or stroke of luck? Scottie Barnes tried to set up Ochai Agbaji with an alley-oop from the three-point line. His attempt ended... in the net.
Story of the week
It's official: the Chicago Bulls will be retiring Derrick Rose's jersey next season.
Jersey retirements are often a sensitive issue for NBA franchises. But in this case, there seemed to be no debate. The youngest MVP in history, only the second for the Bulls after a certain Michael Jordan. Admittedly, his career hasn't been all it's cracked up to be due to injuries, but there's no denying that a player who has left his mark on the history of his franchise deserves to have his jersey raised to the ceiling.