Liam’s League Leaders is a weekly column that ranks the top 10 NBA teams, analyzing how balance, efficiency and momentum are shaping the league’s best teams.
- Oklahoma City Thunder (16-1)
The best team in basketball – no debate. They have the league’s best defensive rating at 103.0 and lead the league with a net rating of +16.3 points. They also have a fantastic offensive rating of 119.3, making the Thunder one of only three teams in the league that rank top five on both ends of the floor. As the return of star forward Jalen Williams from a wrist injury nears, the team looks ready to go back to back.
- Denver Nuggets (12-3)
The Nuggets have the second-best offensive rating in the league at 121.6 points per game and remain nearly impossible to stop within the half court. They are led by Nikola Jokic who averages 29.5 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists per game, and is on MVP pace. Aaron Gordon is also on track for the best season of his career, averaging 18.8 points per game. If they continue to get this type of production from their two stars along with a better defense, the Nuggets may be able to take down OKC.
- Detroit Pistons (13-2)
Detroit has been arguably the biggest surprise of the season so far. The Pistons have created an identity on the defensive end, and their 109.6 defensive rating is currently second in the league behind OKC. Their offense has also come far and it continues to improve with every game. Detroit has now won 11 straight games and the balance of its roster is real. Cade Cunningham has blossomed into a legitimate superstar and can be the true engine of a contending team.
- Los Angeles Lakers (11-4)
The Lakers are off to a strong start powered by a high-scoring 117.9 points per game on offense. While they need to clean up the defense, their overall efficiency and late-game execution has been a key in keeping them among the best in the West. They are one of seven teams with 11 or more wins and continue to find ways to win. LeBron James made his season debut against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, and while he only scored 11 points, his return means that this team can only get better.
- San Antonio Spurs (11-4)
San Antonio owns both a top- offense (117.8) and defense (111.7), respectively. The Spurs are one of the top defensive rebounding teams led by Victor Wembanyama, who is averaging 12.9 boards a game. Although he is out for a few weeks with an ankle injury, the team is in good hands with a dynamic backcourt of Dylan Harper and De’Aaron Fox.
- Houston Rockets (10-4)
Houston came into this season bearing concerns about its offense, but the team holds the league’s best rating at 122.5. Paired with a defense that is ninth, the Rockets continue to look like one of the best all-around teams in the league. Even in a hard-fought loss to Denver, they continue to prove that the Kevin Durant trade was a ‘win-now’ move that pushed them into the NBA’s top tier.
- Toronto Raptors (11-5)
Toronto has also been one of the most surprising teams in the league this year. After starting 1-4, the Raptors have won 10 out of their last 11 games. Their offense has been their strong suit with a 118.8 rating, led by star forward Brandon Ingram’s 21.1 points per game. They are also getting great production out of forward Scottie Barnes and guard R.J. Barrett, and continue to be a rising team in the league.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (11-6)
The Cavaliers are still one of the strong contenders in the East thanks to a top-10 defense and continued star play from superstar Donovan Mitchell (30.3 points per game). Along with Mitchell, Evan Mobley’s interior presence on both ends remains one of the defining strengths of this roster. They continue to deal with injury problems, as star guard Darius Garland is out for a few more weeks with a recurring hand injury. Despite this, they still look like a balanced team that is pushing for a top spot in the East.
- Minnesota Timberwolves (10-6)
Minnesota continues its elite offensive run behind the efforts of star guard Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 26.5 points per game. The Wolves’ rebounding rates and interior presence keep them competitive among the best teams in the league. They need to improve their bench depth, but as long as they stay versatile and remain in the top 10 for both defense and offense, their balance will keep them in playoff contention.
- Miami Heat (10-6)
Miami is the only team on this list with single digit wins, but their near top-five defensive rating of 111.2 is what makes them so special. Thanks to athleticism from players such as Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins and Bam Adebayo, the Heat are top three in opponent turnover rate, fueling their league-leading pace of 106.4. This ability to attack teams in the fast break is what has made them stand out so far, and they continue to do so at an elite level.