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Celtics are still 1-2, Lakers in top 5

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(This story was updated early Monday).

The 2024-25 season is not even a week old, but there is already some initial movement in the Republic's NBA top 5 power rankings thanks to Sunday's games.

They have averaged 126 points per game, third in the NBA in scoring, and lead the league in 3-pointers (22.7), attempts (51.3) and percentage (44). .2%). Defensively, they were no longer as dominant at the start as they were when they were 13 years oldTh in defensive rating after finishing second last season, but are clearly the best team in the NBA.

Huge win at Denver in the opening game, followed by a win over Chicago 114-95. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is their man, but Chet Holmgren pushes himself out of the gate. Averaging 23.7 points and 13 rebounds, Holmgren leads the league in blocks with four per game. Worked against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Has won the last two games after falling in the opener at the Los Angeles Lakers. Julius Randle has shaken off the rust from months of sitting out due to injury, averaging 28.5 points on 22 of 33 shooting (6 of 10 from 3). His aggressiveness is necessary to take some of the pressure off Anthony Edwards on offense.

4. New York Knicks (1-1)

The Knicks responded to Boston's ringside raid by beating Indiana by 25 points. The Villanova crew of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart combined for 67 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns posted a double-double with 21 points and 15 boards. Big test on Monday against Cleveland.

5. Los Angeles Lakers (3-0)

It's a tough call between two 3-0 teams – the Cavaliers and the Lakers – to crack the top five. With wins over Minnesota, Phoenix and Sacramento, the Lakers are hard to resist. JJ Redick looks and sounds like the real deal early on. Monday's return match between the Suns and Lakers looks set to be wild after Phoenix blew a 22-point lead with a loss in LA

Teams 6-10

Phoenix Suns (2-1) – Kevin Durant reached 29,000 career points in a win over Dallas after a disastrous loss at the Lakers.

Dallas Mavericks (1-1) — As Jason Kidd said after Saturday's loss in Phoenix: “Right now it's a marathon, not a sprint.”

Cleveland Cavaliers (3-0) – There are three wins against Toronto, Detroit and Washington. Undefeated, but faces tougher competition.

Memphis Grizzlies (2-1) – Nice win over Orlando after Houston gave them a 20 point lead.

Orlando Magic (2-1) – I’m looking forward to seeing Paolo Banchero take his game to the next level.

Dropped out of 6-10: Philadelphia 76ers (1-2), Indiana Pacers (1-2), Milwaukee Bucks (1-2) and Denver Nuggets (0-2).

Do you have any opinions on the current state of the suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.

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