clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

NBA power rankings 2013: Thunder holding at No. 2

With a three-game winning streak, OKC is poised to be a top seed in the Western Conference.

By Thomas Todd
Well, just number two for now KD
Well, just number two for now KD
Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

After losing to the Heat on Christmas Day, the Thunder have rattled off wins against Phoenix, Dallas and Houston. OKC has won 15 of their last 17 games, but still trail the Clippers -- winners of 17 of their last 17 -- in various NBA power rankings.

Marc Stein of ESPN cites Oklahoma City's efficient offense -- 110.1 points per 100 possessions -- as the reason the Thunder are the second-best team in the NBA. NBC's Pro Basketball Talk urges readers to not look too hard into the Christmas Day loss to the Heat, but instead look at it as a mark to aspire to come playoff time.

CBS Sports' Matt Moore rounds out the rankers by also giving the Thunder the No. 2 nod and praises head coach Scottie Brooks' system, clearly impressed with where the Thunder are without James Harden.

OKC is 24-6 and is eight games ahead of Denver in the Northwest Division.