Giannis Dominates as Bucks Overtake Celtics & Nuggets For Top Spot in NBA
There’s a new No. 1 in the NBA. After the Celtics held the best record in the Association for three-quarters of the season, and the Nuggets pulled away out west, the Bucks’ hot streak now has Milwaukee atop the standings. Giannis Antetokounmpo (46 points, 12 rebounds) had a monster performance in the Bucks’ win over the Kings last night (133-124) while the Celtics fell to the lowly Rockets (111-109). Milwaukee went on a recent 16-game win streak and they’ve now won 20 of their last 22. They’re a league-best 26-7 since January 1st.
Boston, despite what their Irish heritage suggests, hasn’t been so lucky in March. The Celtics have lost five of their last eight, including their last three by a combined eight points. It’s ugly for the best team in the west, too. Despite Nikola Jokc’s eye-popping MVP numbers, the Nuggets have lost three in a row. Great seasons in Boston and Denver over the first three quarters have come to a screeching halt, and Milwaukee is now the team to beat. Here’s a look at the latest NBA playoff picture and our mid-March heat-check.
NBA Playoff Picture
Eastern Conference
1. Bucks (49-19)
2. Celtics (47-22)
3. 76ers (45-22)
4. Cavaliers (43-27) —
5. Nets (39-29) —
6. Knicks (40-30)
7. Heat (37-33) —
8. Hawks (34-35) —
9. Raptors (32-36) —
10. Bulls (31-36) —
In the Hunt: Wizards (31-37), Pacers (31-38), Magic (28-40)
Western Conference
1. Nuggets (46-22)
2. Grizzlies (41-26)
3. Kings (40-27)
4. Suns (37-31) —
5. Warriors (36-33)
6. Clippers (36-33) —
7. Timberwolves (35-34) —
8. Mavericks (34-35)
9. Lakers (33-35)
10. Pelicans (33-35)
In the Hunt: Thunder (33-35), Jazz (33-36), Blazers (31-37)
The NBA Playoffs begin Wednesday, April 11
Additional Storylines
ESPN: 5 Things to Watch This Week in the NBA
NBC Sports: Warriors’ Klay Thompson Scores 33 on Eight 3s in 1st Half
CBS Sports: NBA Power Rankings: 76ers Take No. 1 Spot
Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images
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