NBA Playoff Power Rankings: The Warriors, Rockets In Trouble; Bulls Blow Opportunity
Mar 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Golden State Warriors guard
Shaun Livingston(34), guard
Stephen Curry(30) and
Klay Thompson(11) against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Warriors defeated the Suns 98-80. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In our latest edition of NBA Playoff Power Rankings, we examine the troubles of the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets
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The Golden State Warriors had faced little to no adversity during the regular season, so any little shortcoming that they would see in the NBA playoffs was going to be spun out of control. And that’s exactly what their 2-1 series deficit to the Memphis Grizzlies has become.
Yes, the Warriors are getting punched in the mouth defensive by the Grit N Grind Grizzlies, but a two-game slump isn’t something that can’t be overcome. In fact, this is exactly what should’ve been expected in the playoffs. Golden State might be in a 2-1 series hole as they enter the Grindhouse tonight, but if they can steal Game 4 they’ll be right back where many expected them to be — in complete control of the series.
The Warriors have struggled, but by no means are they in trouble. Not yet.
The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, are on a different boat. It’s time to panic, draw the white flag and inform the elders — the Rockets are done.
Down 3-1 against the Los Angeles Clippers, I’m willing to put my name on that. Houston had a nice season, but turns out that injuries — or their playing style — finally caught up to them. They’re simply not built for postseason success.
Either that, or the Clippers are just THAT much better. And that could very well be the case. After all, these are the Clippers that just took out the defending NBA Champions.
Who’s still in: Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies
Who’s out: Boston Celtics, New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs,Dallas Mavericks
Here are this week’s NBA Playoff Power Rankings.
16. Toronto Raptors, L, First Round to WAS
15. Boston Celtics, L, First Round To CLE
14. New Orleans Pelicans, L, First Round To GS
13. Portland Trail Blazers, L, First Round To MEM
12. Milwaukee Bucks, L, First Round To CHI
11. Brooklyn Nets, L, First Round To ATL
10. Dallas Mavericks, L, First Round To HOU
9. San Antonio Spurs, L, First Round To LAC
Next: Houston Rockets