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<p><i>Album of the Week: “</i><a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7jjwVt7FdWW61uUbrnw5Is" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><i>Alligator Bites Never Heal</i></a>,<i>” Doechii (2024)</i></p>
<p>We are nearing 29% of the NBA regular season! With every team having played 20 games, it’s the optimal moment to evaluate the quarter mark of the season and hand out grades.</p>
<h2>Team Records After 20 Games</h2>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Every NBA team has played at least 20 games!</p>
<p>First quarter of the NBA season is in as a result. Here are the records for each team's first 20 games:</p>
<p>*top-six in Conference<br/>📈📉 based on last season</p>
<p>Discuss… <a target="_blank" href="https://t.co/p3oGpW8vmC" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">pic.twitter.com/p3oGpW8vmC</a></p>
<p>— Law Murray 🎄 (@LawMurrayTheNU) <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/LawMurrayTheNU/status/1997163631772160276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">December 6, 2025</a></p>
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<p>Each team will be assigned a letter grade, and as many of you found out last season, I'm quite critical. This report may not be what you wish to reference for your holiday wish list. My evaluation will take into account accomplishments, context, and expectations, along with a comment on one specific area each team has excelled or struggled in thus far.</p>
<h2>Grading System Overview</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Top Contenders</strong> – Fixed at five teams, representing the league's elite.</li>
<li><strong>In a Good Place</strong> – Could vary from one to seven teams.</li>
<li><strong>The Bubble</strong> – Middle-of-the-road teams.</li>
<li><strong>Not the Tier to Fear</strong> – Not the worst in the league, but have much to improve.</li>
<li><strong>Basement Floor</strong> – At the bottom of the standings.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Expectations for Power Rankings:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>These rankings are subjective, taking into account various objective metrics, but will ultimately reflect my opinion.</em></li>
<li><em>Not solely a recap of the past week—these rankings look forward as well.</em></li>
<li><em>Though subjective, these rankings lack bias. There are no underlying agendas; we aim for an equitable meritocracy.</em></li>
<li><em>These rankings are characterized by “Ruthless aggression.”</em></li>
<li><em>Enjoy the games and the rankings!</em></li>
</ul>
<p>In Week 8 of <i>The Athletic</i> NBA Power Rankings, we'll delve into the first-quarter grades for each team. Win-loss records reflect all action up to Sunday, the end of the first quarter.</p>
<h2>Tier 1: Top Contenders</h2>
<h3>1. Oklahoma City Thunder (23-1)</h3>
<p>Grade: <b>A</b><br/>Last ranking: 1<br/>Last week: Wins against GS, DAL, UTA<br/>Offensive rating: 120.0 (5th)<br/>Defensive rating: 104.1 (1st)</p>
<p>The Thunder stand with only one loss. They’re on course for the NBA Cup alongside seven other teams. This season marks their best start ever. Currently boasting the reigning MVP and the top defense in the league, they have room for slight improvement, hence the grade of A instead of A-plus.</p>
<h3>2. Denver Nuggets (17-6)</h3>
<p>Grade: <b>B+</b><br/>Last ranking: 3<br/>Last week: Win against IND, ATL, CHA, Loss to DAL<br/>Offensive rating: 124.0 (1st)</p>
<p>Despite facing injuries, the Nuggets display tremendous depth, leading in field goal percentage thanks to notable performances from key players.</p>
<h3>3. Detroit Pistons (19-5)</h3>
<p>Grade: <b>A</b><br/>Last ranking: 2<br/>Last week: Win against ATL, Loss at MIL, Wins against POR, MIL<br/>Offensive rating: 116.7 (9th)</p>
<p>This is their best start in two decades, backed by a formidable defense that excels at forcing turnovers.</p>
<h3>4. Houston Rockets (15-6)</h3>
<p>Grade: <b>A</b><br/>Last ranking: 4<br/>Last week: Loss at UTA, Wins against SAC, PHO, Loss at DAL<br/>Offensive rating: 121.4 (4th)</p>
<p>They’ve had a solid start despite challenges, focusing on capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.</p>
<h3>5. Los Angeles Lakers (17-6)</h3>
<p>Grade: <b>A</b><br/>Last ranking: 5<br/>Last week: Loss to PHO, Wins at TOR, Loss at BOS, Win at PHI<br/>Offensive rating: 118.3 (6th)</p>
<p>The Lakers excel in tight games, remaining unbeaten in clutch moments, showcasing their strong early season performances.</p>
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