The NBA Cup has brought excitement to Las Vegas, with the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks gearing up for the championship showdown. While the tournament has sparked upsets and captivating storylines, it has also had a significant impact on various major award races, including the NBA Coach of the Year race.
Here’s a look at the latest NBA Coach of the Year power rankings:
#5. Joe Mazzulla (Last week’s ranking: #4)
Joe Mazzulla makes a repeat appearance in the rankings as the Boston Celtics continue to solidify themselves as a playoff-bound team. Currently holding the third spot in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics have been on a hot streak, winning 10 of their last 13 games. With a potent offense that ranks first in the league in offensive rating and three-point shooting, the Celtics are showcasing their championship pedigree.
#4. JJ Redick (Last week’s ranking: #2)
JJ Redick’s Los Angeles Lakers have had a mixed bag of results lately, with a couple of close wins and a tough loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup. Despite facing roster challenges with key players sidelined, Redick has managed to keep the Lakers competitive. The upcoming games on their road trip will be a crucial test for Redick and his team.
#3. Mitch Johnson (Last week’s ranking: #5)
Mitch Johnson has made a significant leap in the rankings after leading the San Antonio Spurs to success even in the absence of star player Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs’ resilience and ability to defeat top teams like the OKC Thunder have propelled them into contention for both the NBA Cup title and a strong playoff position in the Western Conference.
#2. JB Bickerstaff (Last week’s ranking: #2)
JB Bickerstaff’s Detroit Pistons have been on a tear, reaching the 20-win mark and climbing to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. With the emergence of stars like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, the Pistons are making waves in the league. Bickerstaff’s coaching acumen has been instrumental in the team’s success.
#1. Mark Daigneault (Last week’s ranking: #1)
Mark Daigneault’s OKC Thunder suffered a setback in the NBA Cup semifinals but had previously rattled off a franchise-record 16-game winning streak. With a stellar 24-2 record, the Thunder are on pace to challenge the NBA’s all-time wins record. Despite facing injuries and lineup changes, Daigneault has guided his team to the top spot with the league’s best defense.
As the NBA season unfolds, the Coach of the Year race continues to heat up, with these top contenders making their mark on the league. Stay tuned for more updates on the coaching front as the season progresses.
