quote:
This isn't about Sunday's game in Cleveland. LeBron James' absence is duly noted. But simply, the Orlando Magic have been playing better than any other team over the last couple of months.
As has been noted previously, the Magic lead the league in point differential per 100 possessions, having passed the Cavs in that metric about a month ago. But at this point, it's not even close. The Magic are +9.1 points per 100 possessions, a point and a half better than the Cavs, who are +7.6, and four full points better than the Lakers, who rank fourth at +5.1.
Further, the Magic have steadily climbed the offensive efficiency rankings, to the point where they now rank as the second best offensive team in the league, behind only the Suns. And they've got back their No. 1 defensive ranking, which the Bobcats held briefly, as well.
But if Stan Van Gundy is dripping with champagne come mid-June, don't be too surprised.
http://www.nba.com/powerrankings/
Huzzah! thank you NBA.Com (John Schuhmann) Finally someone stops riding lebrons.......need i say anymore?