The NBA had its most-watched Christmas Day in 5 years, with viewership up 84% from final yr throughout ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+.
The common viewers was 5.25 million per recreation on Wednesday.
Perhaps Cleveland and Oklahoma Metropolis will make the five-game slate subsequent yr.
The Cavaliers and Thunder weren’t picked to play over the break regardless of making the convention semifinals final season.
I suppose Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Donovan Mitchell aren’t scoring sufficient, however the NBA cannot overlook their groups subsequent season contemplating they’re presently having one of the best seasons within the league.
So the place do they stand in The Arizona Republic’s newest energy rankings?
Final week: First within the rating.
The Cavs are off to their greatest begin in franchise historical past with 31 video games. On a six-game successful streak, Cleveland is 17-1 at residence. The Cavs scored 149 factors in Denver in a double-digit win as 4 of their 5 starters scored between 22 and 33 factors.
Final week: Second within the rating.
The Thunder have the longest lively successful streak within the NBA with 11 consecutive wins. Bear in mind, the NBA Cup Finals don’t rely towards league standings or statistics. So, this defeat towards Milwaukee in Vegas doesn’t rely in OKC’s file.
Final week: Third within the rating.
That is what makes folks loopy concerning the Celtics. How do they go from beating Indiana, 142-105, to falling to the Pacers two days later, 123-114, at residence? Boston is 1-3 in its final 4 video games. The Celtics set an NBA file of fifty.7 taking pictures from 3 per recreation. Fifty. Wow.
Final week: Fifth within the rating.
What’s fallacious with Mikal Bridges’ sweater? He torched San Antonio for 41 factors on Christmas, going 6 of 9 from 3 to cap a four-game taking pictures streak from distance (17 of 31). The Knicks have gained seven in a row as Jalen Brunson dropped 55 towards Washington in an time beyond regulation victory.
Final week: Fourth within the rating.
OKC took it to the Grizzlies, who had been with out injured Ja Morant (proper AC joint sprain). Pulled away from Memphis in that second quarter because the Thunder outscored the Grizzlies, 42-19. They proceed their five-game highway journey on New Yr’s Eve in Phoenix.
Groups 6-10
Houston Rockets (21-10) – Misplaced the final two video games by a complete of 5 factors at residence towards Minnesota (113-112) and Miami (104-100).
Dallas Mavericks (20-12) – Kyrie Irving does all of it. Pay fines, scoring 46 factors. He must do extra of the latter with Luka Doncic out for a month with a left calf pressure.
Orlando Magic (20-14) – Nonetheless with out their two greatest gamers, however Paolo Banchero is getting nearer to getting back from his torn indirect.
Los Angeles Lakers (18-13) – The Lakers addressed a defensive want by buying and selling Dorian Finney-Smith, who’s taking pictures a career-high 43.5% from 3.
Milwaukee Bucks (16-14) – Giannis Antetokounmpo stays unwell. In fact, they will get again on monitor when he returns.
Do you’ve any ideas on the present state of the Suns? Contact Suns insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-810-5518. Comply with him on X, previously Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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This text was initially revealed on Arizona Republic: Cavs, Thunder and Celtics battle for high spot in newest NBA energy rankings
