African Sports Monthly February 2014 Issue | Page 49

The Oklahoma City Thunder are right behind the Pacers with Kevin Durant playing on whole different stratosphere starting with a 54 points game he had on January 17th against the Golden State Warriors despite the absence of teammate and starting point guard Russell Westbrook who is out recovering from knee surgery.

In the lineup of good performances are the Miami Heat (defending Champions of the NBA) who cannot be discounted and are intent on retaining the Larry Obrien Trophy.

The Houston Rockets are a scary bunch as well as the perennial playoff bound San Antonio Spurs who have been consistent though at times they have faltered, so too are the Los Angeles Clipper.

Our report card at African Sports Monthly for the early going of 2014 ranks the Top 10 in the NBA as follows;

1.Indiana Pacers

2.Oklahoma City Thunder

3.Miami Heat

4.Houston Rockets

5.Los Angeles Clippers

6.San Antonio Spurs

7.Portland Trailblazers

8.Golden State Warriors

9.Phoenix Suns

10.Memphis Grizzlies

Photo (above) Durant and James battling for position