NFL
By: Stephen Garner
Five’s this week is all about contender talk.
We’ve just passed the first quarter mark of the season and, though it’s still early, a foundations been laid for what’s to be seen moving forward.
Here are my quick-hitters on the contenders
& the last 5 champs were all atleast +5.5. Of those 6 mentioned this season, the Bucks (+5.4) & Nets (+4.3) are just below that mark.. for now
— Stephen PridGeon ☯️🏁 (@StayTrueSDot3) December 9, 2021
1.) Phoenix Suns
Currently at 20-4, the Suns have not only refound their form of last season, but improved well upon that.
They’re playing at a much higher pace than last season due to the continuity and trust instilled in Ayton, and have been historically clutch this season with said continuity at the foundation.
The tandem of Paul ((+4.6) and Booker (+4.2) with the game on the line, though not as flashy as others, has been the most effective in the league.
2.) Golden State Warriors
The most diverse offensive attack tactically due to the greatness of Steph Curry, matched with a league best defense, give the Dubs a +12.6 differential on the season in efficiency.
Quite simply, their early returns suggests they’ve been blowing teams out for a sustainable period of time amidst their 21-4 start.
They’re a bidding juggernaut with reinforcements on the way in Thompson and Wiseman.
3.) Milwaukee Bucks
They’ve lost but 1 game with their big three all in play, and 16-10 record to show. They’ve had players in and out of the lineup even outside of their big three, with Lopez now out for an extended period of time with a back injury.
Their foundation is as good as anyone’s, and they’re the defending champions for a reason.
They’ll move more silently with the emergence of others in the now loaded East, but make no mistake, as FiveThirtyEight still has them as the odds on favorites to win it all again.
They’re battle tested, have more depth than last season, and will be ready as games grow more meaningful.
4.) Brooklyn Nets
Sans Kyrie, the 17-8 Nets have slowly but surely found their way. They do not have a dominantdefense, but they get the meaningful stops when it matters most.
They sport the 11th best defense, but when you have the likes of Durant and Harden to rebut to any defensive struggles that may come, you give yourselves a chance to win any given night regardless of who you’re matched up with.
As their pieces continue to figure it all out together, they’ll remain near the top of the league and, this time around, make sure they aren’t toeing any lines when it’s time to advance.
5.) Utah Jazz
Continuity this, continuity that, we say the same thing about the Jazz every season. They’ve shown to be a juggernaut-esque regular season team and much less than that in the playoffs.
Thats partly attributed to the lack of growth Gobert had shown before this season, but also roster construction.
They’ve added the likes of Gay and Paschal among others to fortify their playoff rotation, and have began to see a difference in outlook of their team as they sit at 18-7.
They’re more athletic, now have a post playmaker, and look much more viable in Goberts off minutes, which were once their biggest and glaring weakness.
On Golden States heels, they sport a +12.1 in efficiency.
6.) Chicago Bulls
The 17-9 Bulls have the best scoring duo in the league is DeRozan (26.4) and LaVine (25.8).
Add to that the 15.4 PPG of Vucevic, and you have one of the most prolific scoring trio’s in the league.
Their riddle is figuring out frontcourt defense, but on some nights, even against high-end talent, they can skate by on the strength of their stars and the offense.
Billy Donovan will have his hands full schematically with their defense, at least in the teams current construction, but they’re primed for a strong playoffs showing.
How deep they can go remains to be seen, but as it stands, early, they deserve to be mentioned amongst this group of elites, and have plenty opportunity to improve upon what is a punchers chance in the present moment.
Games to Watch
Friday: Nets @ Hawks, 6:30 CST ESPN
Saturday: Warriors @ Sixers, 7:30 CST ABC
Sunday: Bucks @ Knicks, 11:00 am CST NBALP
