Thunder Wire NBA power rankings
It was a light week for the NBA regular season. The league put all their focus on the 2024 NBA Cup finals, which meant the other 28 teams enjoyed mini-vacations throughout this past week.
The Milwaukee Bucks were crowned the NBA Cup champions. They limited the Oklahoma City Thunder under the national spotlight. Every player on their roster was rewarded with a $515K grand prize.
Now that the NBA Cup is over, the next big event on the schedule is the 2024 Christmas slate. It's the league's biggest regular-season day. The All-Star game also announced a new four-team tournament format that was heavily criticized.
The New York Knicks also helped Karl-Anthony Towns enjoy some sweet revenge with a blowout win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was the multi-time All-Star's first trip back to Minnesota since he was shockingly traded right before the season started.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Thunder Wire will conduct weekly NBA power rankings. Here is the latest edition for the Dec. 16-22 week:
30. Washington Wizards (4-22)
Dec 19, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) shoots the ball over Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) in the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 30
The Wizards remain the league's worst team. They picked up a rare win over the Hornets this past week. Jordan Poole scored 27 points and Malcolm Brogdon had 25 points. Both veteran guards could be pieces moved by the trade deadline. Washington remains focused on player development.
29. New Orleans Pelicans (5-25)
Dec 21, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 29
The Pelicans have lost seven in a row. It's a lost season for them. What makes that a bitter pill to swallow is they have a playoff roster on paper but have struggled to stay healthy. New Orleans' best approach is to do a soft rebuild and trade away pieces that won't stick around long term. Brandon Ingram might be the most enticing of that bunch.
28. Toronto Raptors (7-22)
Dec 16, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) controls the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) during the first quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 27
The Raptors are another basement dweller. They've lost seven in a row. RJ Barrett has had a productive season but it's tough to evaluate how much of that is real. At least Gradey Dick has had a pretty impressive scoring campaign and shows signs of being more than just a 3-point shooter.
27. Charlotte Hornets (7-21)
Dec 19, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) is assisted by a team trainer after being cut against the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 26
The Hornets have lost four in a row. They had a promising start to the season but injuries decimated them. At least they welcomed back LaMelo Ball this past week after a nearly-month-long absence. He had 34 points and 13 assists in a loss to the Wizards.
26. Utah Jazz (7-20)
Dec 19, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) in the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 28
The Jazz had some fireworks in an otherwise lost season. Jordan Clarkson and Ron Holland were both ejected for fighting it out. Clarkson was fined for the incident. Utah has won two straight games but its priority remains being one of the league's worst teams to gain a high lottery draft pick.
25. Portland Trail Blazers (9-19)
Dec 19, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) celebrates with center Deandre Ayton (2) after scoring the game winning shot against the Denver Nuggets at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 25
The Trail Blazers have lost seven of their last eight games. Their lone win in that stretch was thanks to an Anfernee Simons game-winner in the final seconds against the Nuggets. Considering Portland's guard depth, he could be someone on the move during the trade deadline.
24. Brooklyn Nets (11-17)
Dec 21, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) controls the ball against Utah Jazz guard Svi Mykhailiuk (19) in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 30
The Nets will be a popular team during the trade deadline. Expect them to have a full-on firesale. They've lost four of their last five games. Cam Johnson could be the biggest mid-season prize available for contenders. Brooklyn is in the first year of a rebuild. They hope to add a high lottery pick to their roster next year.
23. Detroit Pistons (12-17)
Dec 21, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 24
The Pistons have had some quality wins this past week. They beat the Heat and Suns. Cade Cunningham has been a triple-double machine. He's had his best season yet thanks to staying healthy. Detroit might be one of the league's worst teams but at least it isn't historically awful like last year.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (9-17)
Dec 20, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts against the Charlotte Hornets in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 23
The Sixers continue to manage injuries. This time, Joel Embiid after a nasal fracture cost him time. He put up 34 points in a win over the Hornets. Philly had a chance to pad its record with two wins over Charlotte. But a blowout loss to the Cavaliers was a harsh reminder of how far away the Sixers are from the top of the Eastern Conference.
21. Sacramento Kings (13-17)
December 22, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) shoots the basketball against Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 19
The Kings have lost four in a row. What's worse is that the first whispers of a possible De'Aaron Fox exit were heard around the league. Sacramento has had a disappointing season and it feels like its hit its ceiling with the Fox and Domantas Sabonis duo. It could doom their long-term future if the Kings can't convince Fox to stay.
20. Chicago Bulls (13-16)
Dec 21, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 21
The Bulls have won three of their last four games. Their sole loss even took Jayson Tatum to score 43 points for the Celtics. Before that, Chicago had its most impressive win this year over Boston in their back-to-back against the reigning NBA champions. Zach LaVine went off for 36 points in the win.
19. Miami Heat (13-13)
Dec 20, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) defends Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 14
Now that the Heat have made it known they're willing to deal with Jimmy Butler, it puts them in an awkward spot until the trade deadline when questions are answered. Miami has lost three in a row, which included a meltdown where they blew a 25-point lead against the Magic. Butler was out with an illness.
18. Atlanta Hawks (14-15)
Dec 19, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) shoots in front of San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 15
The Hawks are in a mini-slump with three straight losses. They've experienced a little of a post-Vegas hangover after their loss to the Bucks in the NBA Cup semifinals. Still, Trae Young has had an awesome campaign. He's averaged 22 points and 12 assists. It's been a fun year for Atlanta.
17. Indiana Pacers (14-15)
December 22, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) shoots the basketball against Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 20
The Pacers have won four in a row and creep closer to being .500. Pascal Siakam led Indiana past the Suns with 25 points and 18 rebounds. It's been a lackluster season for the Pacers fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals run. Their best hope is to get hot at the right time again in the playoffs.
16. Phoenix Suns (14-13)
Dec 21, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) drives against Detroit Pistons defenders during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 13
The Suns continue to fall in the standings after a hot start to their year. They're without Devin Booker with a groin injury. Even with Kevin Durant back, his season-high 43 points wasn't enough to avoid an upset loss to the Pistons. Phoenix feels like a ticking timebomb with their roster being old and expensive.
15. San Antonio Spurs (15-13)
Dec 21, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) watches a free throw in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 18
The Spurs have hovered around mediocrity but that's a strong sign of their long-term future. Victor Wembanyama gives San Antonio plenty of hope. He went off for a historic 30 points and 10 blocks in a blowout win over the Trail Blazers. The generational seven-footer is a sleeping giant who will cause havoc once the Spurs build around him.
14. Golden State Warriors (15-12)
Dec 21, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Dennis Schroder (71) dives for a loose ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 10
Nobody has fallen harder than the Warriors. They've lost seven of their last 10 games. A 51-point loss to the Grizzlies is about as embarrassing as it gets. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are still some of the league's better players, but Golden State's role players have fizzled out. The Warriors hoped Dennis Schroder could help but that hasn't been the case yet.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves (14-13)
Dec 21, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after a foul is called against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 12
The Timberwolves' polarizing decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns continues to look awful. The cost-cutting decision has put Minnesota from a title contender to just a playoff squad. The entire league laughed at the Timberwolves when they were dominated by the Knicks in Towns' Minnesota return as he had 32 points and 20 rebounds.
12. LA Clippers (16-13)
Dec 21, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) controls the ball as Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 16
The Clippers are just buying time. It looks like Kawhi Leonard is closer to a return. Once he makes his season debut, LA should be a scarier opponent. The question will be if he can remain healthy the rest of the way. That will be what decides LA's season. Until then, they had a nice win over the Mavericks as Norman Powell scored 29 points.
11. Orlando Magic (18-12)
Dec 19, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) drives to the basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 8
The injuries keep coming for the Magic. They lost Moe Wagner for the season with a torn ACL. They dodged a bullet with Jalen Suggs after an ankle sprain caused Orlando's loss to the Thunder. Still, a 25-point comeback over the Heat showed their resilience. Jamahl Mosley should get some Coach of the Year votes for this season.
10. Denver Nuggets (15-11)
Dec 19, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) catches a pass during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 11
The Nuggets continue to be painfully mediocre. Awful losses like they had against the Trail Blazers this past week exposed that this isn't the dominant Denver team of previous years. Nikola Jokic has been the league's best player this season with godly stats. He's looked like the early MVP favorite and could win the prestigious award for a fourth time.
9. Los Angeles Lakers (16-12)
Dec 21, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) calls out to his team mates during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 17
The Lakers have won three in a row. Don't think it's a coincidence either that's happened after LeBron James' return. The 39-year-old leaped Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for another record as he logged the most regular-season games ever. Los Angeles swept a two-game series against the Kings, which can pay dividends down the road.
8. Milwaukee Bucks (15-12)
Dec 17, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates after winning the Emirates NBA Cup championship game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 7
The Bucks used the national stage of the 2024 NBA Cup finals to show the rest of the league that they're back. They dominated the Thunder to win the in-season tournament. Giannis Antetkounmpo was unstoppable. Although the game doesn't count towards the standings, it capped off a hot month for Milwaukee.
7. Houston Rockets (19-9)
Dec 22, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) drives to the net against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 5
The Rockets had high hopes in Las Vegas but were quickly dispelled by the Thunder. They instead enjoyed the extra rest and beat up on the Pelicans. Jalen Green went off for 34 points. Houston has a championship-worthy defense but the offense has struggled. A lack of a top-scorer has been exposed and could bite it in the playoffs.
6. Dallas Mavericks (18-10)
Dec 15, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) greet each other after the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 6
The Mavericks won one of the more entertaining games of the season. They beat the Warriors by a score od 143-133. Luka Doncic went off for a monster 45-point triple-double. Dallas has played like a title contender this season. Everybody understands their role and Kyrie Irving is the perfect co-star next to Doncic.
5. New York Knicks (18-10)
Dec 19, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Knicks forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) works around Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 9
The Knicks have won three in a row. It was a superb week for their two All-Stars. Towns invoked some sweet revenge against the Timberwolves with a monster double-double and lopsided win. Jalen Brunson scored a season-high 39 points in a win over the Pelicans.
4. Memphis Grizzlies (20-9)
Dec 21, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) shoots the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Vit Krejci (27) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 8
The Grizzlies are back. Last year was a down season but that was due to injuries. With better health luck, they've been one of the league's best teams. Their 51-point win over the Warriors showcased their strengths. Desmond Bane and Scotty Pippen Jr. combined for 45 points in a win over the Hawks to flex their depth.
3. Boston Celtics (22-6)
Dec 21, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) goes to the basket against Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith (7) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 3
While they aren't running away with the top seed like last year, the Celtics remain a winning machine. The reigning NBA champions have been boring with their success. It's business as usual in Boston as Tatum and Jaylen Brown headline their championship roster.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (22-5)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 20: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder grabs a rebound ahead of Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center on December 20, 2024 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Previous Ranking: 2
An NBA Cup bleep hasn't slowed down the Thunder. They won an impressive back-to-back against the Magic and Heat with unreal travel involved thanks to the NBA Cup finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to play like an MVP candidate. OKC locked down Alex Caurso with a contract extension to cap off their week.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (25-4)
Dec 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) celebrates after hitting a three point basket as Philadelphia 76ers guard Ricky Council IV (14) looks on during the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Previous Ranking: 1
The Cavaliers have held the league's best record for most of the season. They blew out the Bucks and Sixers this past week to showcase who the top of the East is. Cleveland owns the league's best offense. Darius Garland has played a key role in that. He scored 26 points in their win over the Sixers.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: NBA Power Rankings: Bucks win NBA Cup; KAT gets revenge against Wolves
