Best in the West?

The Thunder and Clippers put together double-digit win streaks, but who's really the best team in the West?

Jonathan Thompson

                The Western Conference has been the highlight of drama for the NBA in a very quiet start of the season.

                The new, high-powered Los Angeles Lakers haven’t seen much of the high or the power. The Lakers are two games below .500 at 12-14, and are currently 12^th in the West.

                While it’s probably too early to point out that the Lakers wouldn’t make the playoffs if they started today, it’s not too early for Laker fans to be concerned. The Lakers got rid of a coach and the “Princeton offense,” but for whom? Mike D’Antoni?  Don’t get me wrong, D’Antoni’s a good coach. But if he couldn’t get it done in New York, I don’t think he’ll have much more luck in Los Angeles.

                Let’s not look too much into the Lakers early season blues, though. They’ll make the playoffs and probably get to the second round depending on the matchup, but there is a new king in Los Angeles.

                The Los Angeles Clippers have won 11 straight, now the longest current streak thanks to the Thunder’s loss to the Timberwolves tonight. The Clippers are getting it done with some surprising defense in the West, and of course, are third in assist in the league.

                The Clippers are second behind the Thunder, and have been playing good team basketball. Not too much noise concerning the Clippers around the league, which seems the way to go right now.

                Another team adopting the” all business” style seems to be the Harden-less Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder faced a lot of questions and criticism after trading away Harden, but their 12 game win streak seemed to quiet the critics.

                The real answer for the Thunder has to be a ring, though. They reached the Finals with Harden, so not too many people will be satisfied with or convinced of their regular season record. Still, OKC is definitely one of the best in the West, if not all the NBA.

                One “all business” team that may be of concern has to be the San Antonio Spurs. The commissioner was wrong for fining the Spurs, but not much can be said for Parker and Duncan’s Halloween costume scandal. Still, the Spurs are fourth in the West and are in good position for another title run.

                So who is the best in the West? Right now, I’d say OKC. They’re playing well and playing their basketball. They aren’t doing anything special and that’s important. The second spot is up for grabs. Of course the Clippers own that spot right now after winning 11 straight, but Memphis and San Antonio can compete with them at any time. The true prize is playoff position and the best playoff matchups. The NBA has been uneventful so far this season, but every game is still important on the road to the playoffs.