NBA Power Rankings: Sixers Claim Top Spot After Sweeping Nets in the First Round

• The Philadelphia 76ers nabbed the top spot after eliminating the Brooklyn Nets
• The Nuggets claimed the No. 2 spot after building a 3-0 lead in their series against the Wolves
• The Knicks soared to third after taking a 3-1 series lead against the Cavaliers

There has been plenty of drama in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

The Philadelphia 76ers already booked their place in the Eastern Conference Semifinals after sweeping the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.

They claimed the top spot in this week’s power rankings.

1. Philadelphia 76ers 

The Sixers became the first team to reach the second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, completing a four-game sweep of the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.

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Tyrese Maxey starred for Philadelphia, averaging 21.8 points per game in the first-round series.

Tobias Harris also contributed, averaging 20.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game against Brooklyn.

He delivered the goods in Game 4, scoring 25 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in the 96-88 win, per ESPN.

Harris stepped up without Joel Embiid, who injured his knee in Game 3.  

2. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets failed to finish the sweep in Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing in an overtime thriller on Sunday night.

They will still fancy their chances of reaching the Western Conference Semifinals with Game 5 set to be played in Denver on Tuesday.

Nikola Jokic has been unstoppable in the series against the Wolves, nearly averaging a triple-double with 25.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 8.8 assists.

3. New York Knicks

The Knicks moved within a victory of their first playoff series win since 2013, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93 in Game 4.

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New York’s defense has been superb at home, with the Knicks limiting the production of Cleveland’s leading scorers, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

Mitchell was a non-factor in Game 4, scoring 11 points on 5 of 18 shooting.

4. Phoenix Suns 

The Suns’ Big 3 is starting to heat up in this year’s playoffs. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul wreaked havoc in Game 4, combining for 80 points to lead Phoenix to a 112-100 win over the LA Clippers.

The Suns took full advantage of Kawhi Leonard’s injury, winning their two road games in LA to grab a 3-1 lead in the series.

They will look to book a place in the next round with a win on Game 5 on Tuesday.

5. Boston Celtics

The Celtics grabbed a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven series against the Atlanta Hawks after an impressive 129-121 win in Game 4 on Sunday.

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Jaylen Brown torched the Hawks after taking off his mask, scoring 29 points on 11 of 15 shooting from the field.

Brown and Tatum finished the game with 31 points each. Brown had been wearing the mask since suffering a fracture along his cheekbone on February 8.

He ditched the mask after missing six of his first seven shots in Game 4.  

6. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers took care of business in Game 3, beating the Memphis Grizzlies 111-101 at home on Saturday night.

They got off to a terrific start, building a 35-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. Anthony Davis bounced back after a poor performance in Game 2, scoring 31 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, and recording three blocks.

Dillon Brooks struggled in Game 3, missing 10 of his 13 shot attempts before his ejection.

7. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors survived a late rally by the Kings in Game 4 to level the series at 2-2. Steph Curry has been playing outstanding basketball for Golden State, averaging 31.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in this series.

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He delivered in Game 4, scoring 32 points to lead the Warriors to a 126-125 win. Curry nearly cost Golden State the game after calling an illegal timeout with 42 seconds left.

8. Sacramento Kings

The Kings are in good shape despite losing both games in San Francisco. They still have homecourt advantage in this series, with Sacramento hosting Games 5 and 7.

They came so close to grabbing a 3-1 lead in the series, with Harrison Barnes missing a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.

De’Aaron Fox has been superb in his first career playoff series, averaging 31.5 points per game to lead the Kings in scoring.

He was incredible in Game 4, scoring 38 points against the Warriors.

9. Miami Heat 

The Heat are two wins away from recording a major upset in this year’s playoffs. They have built a 2-1 lead in their series against the Milwaukee Bucks, despite losing Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo to injuries.

Jalen Brunson helps New York Knicks hold off Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1

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With those two players sidelined for the remainder of the series, the onus is on Jimmy Butler to carry the scoring cudgels for Miami. He is averaging 30.0 points per game for the Heat in this series.

10. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are in trouble. They are down 1-2 in the series, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status is still uncertain after injuring his back in Game 1.

They missed his services in Game 3, with Milwaukee absorbing a heavy 121-99 loss to Miami. Brook Lopez struggled on the offensive end, scoring just six points in that defeat.

Knicks record Game 4 win

Sports Brief recently reported on the Knicks’ win over the Cavs in Game 4.

Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett combined for 55 points on Sunday to help New York grab a 3-1 lead in the series.

Josh Hart also contributed, finishing with 19 points and seven rebounds for the Knicks.