NBA Power Rankings: Week One

Oct 30, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Evan Turner (12) is defended by Miami Heat forward Rashard Lewis (9) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Heat 114-110. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

1. Philadelphia 76ers (3-0, Up 29 places)

Look, the 76ers came into the season in fully fledged, totally unabashed tank mode. They’ve now tanked their way to a 3-0 record and one of the few remaining undefeated teams at the time of writing. They’ve sucked their way to a win over the Miami Heat in their opener, a road win in Washington and followed it up by coming from down 20 to top the Bulls on Saturday.

Sixers rookie Michael Carter-Williams posted 22 points, 12 assists, 9 steals and 7 rebounds against Miami and 26 points and 10 assists while shutting down Derrick Rose. Those who said he couldn’t shoot and laughed at his claim he would win Rookie of the Year honors look misinformed at best.

Offensive Rating (ORtg): 106.6, Defensive Rating (DRtg): 102.1

2. Miami Heat (2-2, Down 1)

The Heat curb-stomped Chicago in Derrick Rose’s return to truly competitive basketball. Their defense was it’s usual harrying, trapping, pressuring self and LeBron James is still number one. They fell victim to the Philadelphia buzz-saw and then looked uninspired while losing to Brooklyn Friday night. They’ll be okay despite it all.

ORtg: 108.2, DRtg: 102.8