NBA Power Rankings: Week Eleven

Jan 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George (24) drives towards the basket past Atlanta Hawks small forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 97-87. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

1. Indiana Pacers (29-7, Last week: #1)

Indiana has perfected the art of suffocating defense. They are currently giving up an average of 92.6 points per 100 possessions, almost five points fewer than the next-best defense, Tom Thibodeau’s Bulls.

The Pacers are almost unplayable in the second half and their third quarter defense is probably illegal in certain states: Indiana allows opponents to score an inhumane 85.8 points per 100 possessions.

Offensive Rating: 101.5, Defensive Rating: 92.6

2. Golden State Warriors (25-14, Last week: #2)

Golden State’s roster as a whole boasts a group of players with great cohesion on both sides of the ball. The defense knows the intricacies of their system inside and out, understanding when to switch and when to bring help from the weak side.

On offense the Warriors’ ball movement and the ability of Curry, Thompson and Iguodala to handle the ball leads to high efficiency shots all over the court. No funny remarks or analogies here, the Warriors are out there punching the clock.

ORtg: 103.5, DRtg: 98.5