It feels like yesterday when the 2021-22 NBA season started.
Now, teams are about 12 percent into their campaign, which translates to ten or 11 games.
That’s enough sample size to determine Eastern Conference squads who are doing well early on.
Their start to the new season is quite shocking because either they missed last year’s NBA playoffs or held a low seed.
So far, it looks like they will dominate the East barring any injuries or shooting slumps.
3. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat mysteriously fell from grace last season after entering the Finals during the NBA bubble.
They lost via a sweep to the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks.
However, they are starting the season on a high note with a 7-2 record, putting them a half-game behind conference leaders Philadelphia 76ers.
Kyle Lowry’s addition and Tyler Herro’s resurgence are paying dividends for coach Erik Spoelstra.
Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo and P.J. Tucker anchor their rim protection and perimeter defense.
#JIMVP pic.twitter.com/npjcNWBUAR
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 7, 2021
But they would not have a strong start without Jimmy Butler’s leadership.
Butler leads the team in scoring, averaging 24.7 points per game.
He also adds 6.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 2.3 steals per contest.
Miami already has convincing wins against the Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Utah Jazz.
They are also the second-best defensive team in the league, allowing 100.2 points per outing, and fifth-best in scoring at 111.7 in each contest.
2. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks returned to the playoffs last season, ending a seven-year drought.
Unfortunately, they lost to the Atlanta Hawks in five games.
This year, they are playing to get home-court advantage with a 6-4 record.
That win-loss clip puts them at seventh place, but they are just two games away from the top seed.
Tom Thibodeau is building on his postseason stint by continuously preaching tough-nosed basketball.
Julius Randle remains the heart and soul of the squad, with averages of 21.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
200+ PTS
100+ REB
50+ AST
10+ 3PM@J30_RANDLE is the first player in NBA history to record these stats in the team’s first 10 games in consecutive seasons. pic.twitter.com/inhyFTmXwt— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 8, 2021
He is getting steady support from RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier, and Kemba Walker.
Meanwhile, former league MVP Derrick Rose continues to embrace his role as the sixth man.
Obi Toppin, Alec Burks, Immanuel Quickley, and Mitchell Robinson are ready to provide relief whenever needed.
They may have lost three of their last four games, but they already have victories over the 76ers, Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Chicago Bulls.
The Knicks have the third-best offense in the league, averaging 112.6 each match.
They are also fifth in three-point percentage at 36.9.
1. Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are winning the Russell Westbrook trade with a 7-3 start, while the Los Angeles Lakers are at 5-5.
Washington’s new players are all contributing nicely, and they are miles apart from the team that lost to the 76ers in the first round of last year’s playoffs.
Montrezl Harrell produces 17.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per night, while Kyle Kuzma chips in 14.1 points and 9.5 rebounds.
Spencer Dinwiddie, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Daniel Gafford are also putting up steady numbers every game.
But Bradley Beal remains the Wizards’ primary weapon with averages of 24.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
.@RealDealBeal23 caught fire and never cooled off 🔥#DCAboveAll | @CapitalOne pic.twitter.com/vy3H4TNef2
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) November 8, 2021
The Wizards already scored wins against the Bucks, Celtics, Hawks, and Toronto Raptors.
Wes Unseld Jr.’s unit ranks fifth in field goal percentage allowed (43.2) and second in blocks (6.2 per game).
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