From CBS Sports · · 2m
NBA's biggest winners and losers of the week
Luka Dončić's Lakers dominate while Hornets regret LaMelo Ball trade.
In brief
Luka Dončić's Lakers dominate while Hornets regret LaMelo Ball trade. Oklahoma City Thunder, Luka Dončić and LaMelo Ball's Timberwolves emerge as top NBA winners after a week of strong performances, while Charlotte Hornets suffer from losing their star player. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Week's NBA highlights
The NBA saw strong performances with multiple seven-game winning streaks emerging this week.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder swept Cleveland and Memphis with no key players missing, averaging 36 points per game from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Luka Dončić
Dončić averaged 40 points per game, leading the Lakers to a 9-2 record with strong offensive performance.
LaMelo Ball
Ball's Timberwolves are 4-2 with improved scoring, though Minnesota's defense has struggled without Anthony Edwards.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets dropped to last in the league after trading LaMelo Ball, with poor shooting and defense.
Western Conference
The Western Conference saw a mix of strong teams and teams struggling after a week of games.
Lottery Reform
The NBA's bottom teams are struggling despite lottery reform, with few wins against higher-ranked opponents.
Thunder's trade
The Thunder acquired Nique Clifford from the Kings, a potential upgrade for their injury-prone roster.
Lakers' performance
The Lakers are 9-2 with Luka Dončić leading their offense, ranking 23rd in defense and rebounding.
Timberwolves' improvement
Minnesota's scoring improved with Ball, though they lost key player Anthony Edwards to injury.
Hornets' decline
The Hornets dropped to last in the league after trading LaMelo Ball, with poor shooting and defense.
Western Conference standings
The Western Conference has a mix of strong teams and teams struggling after a week of games.
Lottery reform impact
The bottom teams are struggling despite lottery reform, with few wins against higher-ranked opponents.
Thunder's defense
The Thunder have improved their defense, allowing fewer points in the paint per game.
Lakers' offense
The Lakers' offense is strong with Luka Dončić leading the team to a 9-2 record.
Hornets' trade impact
The Hornets' trade of LaMelo Ball has led to a drop in performance, with poor shooting and defense.
In short
Oklahoma City Thunder, Luka Dončić and LaMelo Ball's Timberwolves emerge as top NBA winners after a week of strong performances, while Charlotte Hornets suffer from losing their star player.
