{"numbering":"asc","slides":[{"index":1,"title":"Monte Poole's NBA Power Rankings","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/nba_17.jpg","caption":"

The Warriors took one on the chin as they opened their stretch run, but steadied the ship in LA. Insider Monte Poole breaks it down with his stack of 30 NBA teams, worst to best...

"},{"index":3,"title":"30. Suns (14-42)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/phx_17.jpg","caption":"

Now that Evil Twin ‘Kieff is gone, we can’t anticipate his next outburst. Without that suspense, there is no rational reason to watch the Desert Rats.

"},{"index":5,"title":"29. Lakers (11-46)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/lal_17.jpg","caption":"

Coach Byron announces rook D’Angelo Russell will start the rest of the season. Why not, when you’re 3-19 since the first week of January.

"},{"index":7,"title":"28. 76ers (8-47)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/phi_25.jpg","caption":"

Your last three wins, over the past three weeks, were against the Nets, the Suns and the Magic. We count them full because, well, you’re the Sixers.

"},{"index":9,"title":"27. Nets (15-41)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/bkn_17.jpg","caption":"

Still not sure why Cal product Sean Marks left the Spurs for this. Good luck, but we fear that won’t be close to enough. No more Bargnani sandwiches.

"},{"index":11,"title":"26. Timberwolves (17-39)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/min_27.jpg","caption":"

We’re still trying to figure how you took the Raptors, but then we remembered: KAT power and The Wigg. There is heart here, but it is young.

"},{"index":13,"title":"25. Bucks (23-33)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/mil_17.jpg","caption":"

Close games, winning three of four for the first time since early November. Hmm, but is that a long-missing element – toughness – trying to surface?

"},{"index":15,"title":"24. Knicks (24-33)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/nyk_17.jpg","caption":"

Happy for Rambo getting his first win. But the only victories over the last month are against the T-Pups and D-Rats. We count each as half.

"},{"index":17,"title":"23. Magic (24-30)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/orl_17.jpg","caption":"

Sadness in the happiest place on earth. Says one NBA assistant coach upon hearing they traded Tobias Harris: “Isn’t he their best player?”

"},{"index":19,"title":"22. Nuggets (22-34)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/den_25.jpg","caption":"

Gone is J.J. Hickson, followed out by Steve Novak, who never quite arrived. Already clearing cap space for Big Nik? We believe he’ll be quite good.

"},{"index":21,"title":"21. Pistons (27-29)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/det_27.jpg","caption":"

Five consecutive losses, Coach SVG losing his voice and Anthony Davis puts your defense on blast. Your playoffs run looks a lot like a playoffs retreat.

"},{"index":23,"title":"20. Pelicans (22-33)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/no_25.jpg","caption":"

For the love of boiled crawfish, there are signs of life in NOLA. Monster game by The Brow is just enough for Pellies to hit the Top 20. Barely.

"},{"index":25,"title":"19. Wizards (25-29)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/wsh_25.jpg","caption":"

You continue to disappoint because you continue to play D as taught by a bullfighter. With Evil Twin ‘Kieff on board, you actually have a bull.

"},{"index":27,"title":"18. Kings (23-31)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/kings-gallery_1.jpg","caption":"

Why did the Sad Sacs scapegoat former assistant Vance Walberg, ex-Newark Memorial High coach and a fine offensive mind? Oh, he’s George Karl’s confidant.

"},{"index":29,"title":"17. Rockets (28-28)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/hou_25.jpg","caption":"

Finally, you deliver a team effort and beat . . . the D-Rats. We remain unimpressed, and we believe your upcoming schedule will expose your folly.

"},{"index":31,"title":"16. Jazz (27-28)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/uta_17.jpg","caption":"

So disruptive on D, teams hate to play you. So constipated on O, we hate to watch you. Keep winning and losing ugly, and you’ll be watching the playoffs.

"},{"index":33,"title":"15. Mavericks (30-27)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/dal_25.jpg","caption":"

Congrats, Dirk, on joining the 29K club; that’s a lot of points. Beating Philly at home after losing five of six proves nothing. D-Lee is your solution?

"},{"index":35,"title":"14. Bulls (29-26)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/chi_27.jpg","caption":"

You’re shooting more like Da Bears. We hope ex-coach Tom Thibodeau is too classy to laugh out loud at all this stumbling. Come back, Jimmy B.

"},{"index":37,"title":"13. Hornets (29-26)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/cha_17.jpg","caption":"

Welcome back, Big Al. We see you balling, Kemba. Oh, MKG, are you forever doomed to exist only in the minds of those with vivid imaginations?

"},{"index":39,"title":"12. Hawks (31-26)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/atl_26.jpg","caption":"

No moves, none at all, would seem to indicate you folks want to have your first-round postseason exit and eat it too. Ohhhh K. With grits, please.

"},{"index":41,"title":"11. Pacers (30-25)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/ind_25.jpg","caption":"

Monta, Monta, Monta! Just when we thought you were living in a cave, you light up OKC at crunch time. Good to see you still can find your game.

"},{"index":43,"title":"10. Trail Blazers (29-27)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/por_18.jpg","caption":"

Beating the Warriors makes you boys officially the hottest team in the league. Don’t get too close to Dame, or you’ll end up in the burn unit.

"},{"index":45,"title":"9. Heat (31-24)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/mia_25.jpg","caption":"

Hostile Hassan is the most talented double-edged sword in this league since Derrick Coleman. Stay strong, Coach Spo, and know Pat has your back.

"},{"index":47,"title":"8. Grizzlies (32-23)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/mem_17.jpg","caption":"

We did not see playoffs for you in December. And that was with Big Marc on the court. With him out, you’re done. Right? No? OK, keep grinding.

"},{"index":49,"title":"7. Celtics (33-24)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/bos_17.jpg","caption":"

Apologies, D-Lee, but if you can’t spark the offense OR the defense, there is no place for you on this club. Coach Brad saw through it in training camp.

"},{"index":51,"title":"6. Clippers (36-19)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/lac_17.jpg","caption":"

CP3 is playing as if he’s out to shed the dread of last postseason. No truth to the rumor that Doc called Blake and told him to stay out until June 22.

"},{"index":53,"title":"5. Raptors (36-18)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/tor_17.jpg","caption":"

When you guys defend, you are a threat to the Cavs. When you don’t you are the Wizards. Remember that, and you’ll have a home in our Top 5.

"},{"index":55,"title":"4. Thunder (40-16)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/okc_17.jpg","caption":"

No Top-5 team has more puzzling losses. We know some of that comes from having a new coach. We also know it’s a great way to frustrate KD.

"},{"index":57,"title":"3. Cavaliers (40-14)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/cle_27.jpg","caption":"

Welcomes to the 40 Club, Cavs. We knew you could do it. If K-Love keeps bringing like this, Kyrie’s flu will be but a pebble on the path to 60.

"},{"index":59,"title":"2. Spurs (47-9)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/sas_17.jpg","caption":"

The Rodeo Road Trip continues as Kawhi limps on a bad calf. You’re still good, still classic, but we see an L or two before you return home in March.

"},{"index":61,"title":"1. Warriors (49-5)","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/02/22/warriors-gallery_1.jpg","caption":"

Still smoldering from Dame’s destruction, champs recover to bully the Clippers, even with The Steph being contained about as well as possible.

"}]}

Monte Poole's NBA Power Rankings (2.22.16)