by The NBA season is in full stride, and it has been nonstop entertainment. The dominant teams of the past, like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, continue their reign. However, there are also numerous surprises in this early portion of the year, such as the Detroit Pistons being in first place in the Eastern Conference.
Pistons Early Rise to the Top
The Pistons have been unstoppable so far, starting 11-2 and holding a 2.5-game lead for the first seed in the East. Detroit has demonstrated its much-improved depth and improvement from its star players, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. Cade and Duren are having all-star seasons, with Cunningham averaging 27.5/5.4/9.9 and Duren averaging 19.4/12, respectively.
The Pistons have even won games with their stars being absent, winning their past two games with them injured. In the middle of a nine-game win streak, Detroit looks like a serious title contender and one of the most fun teams in the league. Many expected them to be a playoff team again, but showing how many layers the team has is something that has shocked almost everyone.
LA Clippers’ Putrid Start
The Clippers’ future is looking grim, starting 4-8, being the oldest team in the NBA, and not having their own first-round pick. Everything has gone wrong for them this year — Kawhi Leonard getting another early-season injury and their newly acquired veterans being disappointments.
The additions of Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and Brook Lopez seemed to be great offseason additions, considering the little capital they gave up for them. This has all gone wrong: Beal is out for the season, Paul is unable to get onto the court (three straight coach’s DNP’s), and Lopez is also showing his age.
What was once thought to be some of the best depth in the NBA, and a perennial playoff team, is barely staying afloat thanks to James Harden’s All-NBA play.
Atlanta Hawks Superb Play in Trae Young‘s Absence
Trae Young has missed the past eight games, and the Hawks are looking better. Atlanta is 6-2 in Trae’s absence and has the second-best defensive rating (106.9) since he has been out. With such a small sample size of games and Young’s years of success, it would be rash to jump to conclusions about his impact on Atlanta’s winning, but it is something to keep note of come playoff time.
The biggest reason for the Hawks’ terrific play in Young’s absence is Jalen Johnson. Johnson has been continuously improving for years, and he has shown his all-star talent this year. He has demonstrated his electrifying transition play, while also improving as a shot-creator and becoming one of the best playmaking forwards in the league.
Atlanta’s depth and Johnson’s outstanding play have altered the narrative about the Hawks, and they are showcasing what they are capable of in Young’s absence.
