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 (39-11)
Oklahoma City is the league’s clear measuring stick, and the numbers back it up: a top five offense paired with the NBA’s number one defensive rating (105.8). What makes them terrifying isn’t just talent, it’s how little they give away. They force teams to play physically, they limit turnovers, and thanks to guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP and current lead MVP candidate, they have no trouble scoring either. With statement games coming up against other Western Conference heavyweights, this week is another chance to show why this is the team everyone is chasing.
- Detroit Pistons (36-12)
The Pistons are winning with a legit identity: physical defense, steady half-court offense execution and a young roster that is starting to look much better in high pressure games since they have gained more experience. They are second in the league in defensive rating at 108.3, which makes them one of the hardest teams in the league to score against. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is steering the ship effectively, while guard Cade Cunningham has embraced his role as true centerpiece. This team is in a great position to win the Eastern Conference.
- San Antonio Spurs (33-16)
The Spurs are playing like a team that knows exactly what their identity is. They are legit on both offense and defense: they have top five ratings in both categories and they feel like a very organized team. Built around center Victor Wembanyama, they generate good shots, are always competing defensively, and stay composed late in games. With the trade deadline approaching, the Spurs should look for depth at the forward position, and if they can upgrade, they may be able to make a push for the No. 1 seed.
- Denver Nuggets (33-17)
Center Nikola Jokic’s return had an immediate ripple effect on the Nuggets. Denver already had the league’s leading offense during Jokic’s month-long absence, which makes his return even more nightmarish for the opposition. While the defense is their biggest problem, the Nuggets’ postseason DNA doesn’t rely on regular season perfection, as we have seen in years past. If they are able to find a defensive guard before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, the team will become even more formidable. But for now, they stay in the same spot.
- Houston Rockets (30-17)
While the Rockets excel on both ends of the floor, they cannot get ahead of the three Western Conference teams ahead of them. They are weaker in close fourth quarters matchups, especially when their offense becomes reliant on their aging forward Kevin Durant. That deficit can be the difference between a great team and a true title contender as the season winds down. They are physical, relentless, and are able to win games in which they don’t play their best, now they just have to prove they can close out games and the season on a hot streak.
- New York Knicks (31-18)
The Knicks steadied themselves with a clean week after a bit of a slide, and are playing more like a top seeded team. They have the third-most efficient offensive rating in the league (118.9), and a defense that is slowly starting to get better under head coach Mike Brown. If they are looking to add at the deadline, I think that another solid bench piece would be their best option, but for now they are playing much better basketball.
- Minnesota Timberwolves (31-19)
While Minnesota is another team in the middle of the pack, they still have a good shot to make a run in the Western Conference. The Wolves have been climbing the power rankings every week, and with a big win over the Thunder on January 29, they proved they can keep up with the elite teams in the league. Over the past few years, they have built and maintained a defensive identity, ranking fourth this year in defensive rating (111.8). If they continue to play like this, and guard Anthony Edwards performs like the superstar he is, the rest of the league better watch out.
- Boston Celtics (31-18)
Boston keeps stacking wins with a roster that’s had to reinvent on the fly a lot this season. Their offense is among the best in the sport, playing a heavy team-style offense despite missing superstar forward Jayson Tatum. While he does not have a return date, the Celtics continue to play a unique game without him, led by All Star guard Jaylen Brown. If they were going to make a move at the deadline, it would likely be for a role player and not a star.
- Phoenix Suns (30-20)
Phoenix’s week was loud, with big wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons. It was all the more impressive considering they were without their star guard Devin Booker. The team continues to impress with a sturdy defense, despite having multiple lineup changes due to injuries. If they can get healthy for the last few months of the season, they have the firepower to get out of the play-in and secure a guaranteed playoff spot, although they have the 10th hardest remaining strength of schedule.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (30-21)
Cleveland claims the final spot in the rankings after a fantastic run, winning eight of their last 10 games. Cleveland has not lived up to expectations this season, but are now getting back on track. They made a trade this week for Sacramento Kings guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, showing their priority for guard depth and lineup flexibility. This trade addressed a key need, even though they let go of a starter in the process in De’Andre Hunter. They may not have the flash of teams above them, but compared to a few weeks ago, they look better equipped for playoff basketball.