Victor Wembanyama, Spurs surge in Posts NBA Power Rankings

Each week, the California Post will power rank the NBA’s 30 teams.Records are as of Saturday morning:The reigning Western Conference champions remain the hottest team in the league after blowing out the Steph Curry-less Warriors on Friday night.

The Spurs have won 11 games in a row.They’re top three offensively and defensively across the league, all while Victor Wembanyama is playing at an MVP-caliber level.

(Last week, 3rd)  Luka Dončić may have cooled off from his two-week-long 40-point barrage, but the Slovenian superstar continues to lead the Lakers in exceeding early-season expectations.The Lakers have looked like a potential championship team after seven consecutive wins.

And the team received encouraging news regarding Austin Reaves’ heel injury, which the Lakers have classified as a bruise.(Last week, 2nd)The Celtics made a statement with their midweek blowout victory over the 76ers.

They’re elite on both ends of the floor, and Paul George has been an impeccable fit next to Jayson Tatum.(Last week, 8th)The 76ers’ cracks started to show in their last four games (2-2), suggesting they may not be as good as their 8-1 start.

Their offense should click at a higher level once Joel Embiid and LeBron James find their rhythm.(Last week, 1st)The Rockets have been one of the league’s steadier teams so far, picking up three straight wins over the Nuggets, Warriors and Jazz to remain toward the top of the West.

Alperen Şengün is playing at an All-NBA-caliber level.(Last week, 7th)The Timberwolves continue to thrive without Anthony Edwards, winning five straight games including a 39-point blowout victory over the Mavericks on Thursday.

LaMelo Ball and Ayo Dosunmu leading the offense while Rudy Gobert anchors the defense has been a reliable formula.(Last week, 5th)Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija continue to be one of the league’s most dynamic duos, leading the Trail Blazers to back-to-back wins over the Thunder this past week.

(Last week, 9th)Aft...