LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo : Getty Images/Jason Miller)
Last week, a lot of jaw-dropping things happened in the National Basketball Association. The Cleveland Cavaliers edged the Golden State Warriors in a controversy-marred 109-108 win on Christmas Day, Russell Westbrook capped 2016 with 16 triple-doubles so far and James Harden hanged a historic 53-point, 16-rebound, 17-assist performance on New Year's Eve. The league is changing in hierarchy and here are the top five NBA teams right now:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers showed why they are kings of the NBA by beating championship rivals Warriors on Christmas Day. LeBron James is still a candidate for the Most Valuable Player award and Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love have shrugged off "backup" tags and became Cleveland's main man at times. Cleveland are the best team in the East behind a 26-7 record, three games ahead of second-running Toronto Raptors.
2. Golden State Warriors
Golden State have been touted to run away with the league after acquiring Kevin Durant but they have looked vulnerable in some ways, highlighted by a fourth quarter collapse against the Cavs in Dec. 25. Based on statistics, the 2015 NBA champs, which is second in offensive rating and third in defensive rating according to NBA Stats, are still the best in the league and they lead the NBA in the standings behind a 30-5 record.
3. Houston Rockets
James Harden is one of the reasons why the Rockets, despite the departure of Dwight Howard, are thriving right now. The Rockets have won 15 of their 17 games in December and Harden showcased one of the greatest triple-double performances the league has ever seen. Houston has the longest win streak right now at five games.
4. San Antonio Spurs
There is not much question why the Spurs are the best organization in the league in almost two decades. San Antonio is on its way to tie Utah Jazz's 20-year streak of being in the playoffs and they are looking just fine amid the retirement of pillar Tim Duncan. The Spurs have won 12 of their 14 assignments in December and they are in good position in the West with a 27-7 record.
5. Toronto Raptors
The Canana-based team is defying NBA convention by being one of the teams that do not use the three-point shot that much while being the best offensive team in the league, ESPN reported. Toronto has one of the best backcourts in the league in DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry and the Raptors are going nowhere as they are lurking behind the Cavaliers with a 23-10 record.
Watch the video below for the top 10 teams with championship chances:
