NBA Power Rankings: Week Two
By Peter Owen
Nov 9, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Up 1)
A week of mediocre opponents proved the perfect ease-in for Russell Westbrook as he returns from injury. The Thunder this week won by comfortable margins and the return and impact of Westbrook shows how much they missed him in the playoffs last season.
ORtg: 101.9, DRtg: 98.1
6. Houston Rockets (Down 1)
James Harden might be the worst defender among the elite players in the NBA. We’ve all seen the GIF of Steve Blake simply walking behind Harden for a layup from a bounce pass and Harden was finding himself being left behind by Steve Nash and his broken body.
The defense is a huge worry right now as the Rockets allowed the Clippers to hang 78 points on them in the first half and only Los Angeles taking their foot of the gas in the second half stopped them hitting the 140 mark the first time the teams met.
ORtg: 105.6, DRtg: 101.3