First-rate, third options are what drives the most successful, top-tier NBA teams
Superstars are going to dominate play and headlines, but the best teams are powered by the likes of Philly's Tyrese Maxey who has been a star in his supporting cast role.
When it comes to title contenders, there’s a knee-jerk reaction to focus on the superstars. But history has told us time and time again, winning at the highest levels can’t be done if you’re a team built around a solo act or a two-man show.
That’s why teams are so eager and bullish to establish a triumvirate of superstar/top-shelf talent. As we look at the top teams in the NBA this week, all have undeniable superstar talent leading the way.
But a closer look at their success, and you’ll see the emergence of a third impact player that in many ways has shaped their success.
As impressive as Joel Embiid and James Harden have been in Philadelphia, the play of guard Tyrese Maxey has been just as instrumental in Philly’s play of late which has positioned them as one of the top teams in the East.
This season, he’s averaging 17.6 points, 4.5 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game. In Philadelphia’s 125-119 win over Cleveland on Friday, the Sixers rallied after trailing by as many as 21 points. Maxey finished with 33 points, 24 of which came during the Sixers’ second-half surge.
Here are the teams on this week’s Super Seven list.
1. Phoenix (51-12)
The Suns were the NBA’s first to win 50 games this season, solidifying their position as this season’s team to beat. The latest “next man up” to emerge for the Suns, is Cam Johnson who scored a career-high 38 points in Phoenix’s 115-114 win over New York on Friday which included the game-winning shot.
2. Miami (42-22)
Winners in five of the last six games, Heat center Bam Adebayo has become even more of a stat-stuffing talent, averaging 21.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while shooting 60.2 percent from the field.
3. Philadelphia (39-23)
The James Harden era in Philly has gone as well as expected, with the Sixers winning all four games Harden has played in, by an average of 17 points per game.
4. Boston (38-27)
One of the low-key factors in Boston’s revival this season has been head coach Ime Udoka who was named the Coach of the Month for February. It was the first time a first-year Boston coach won the award since K.C. Jones in 1984.
5. Golden State (43-20)
Draymond Green’s return from a back injury can’t get here soon enough for the Warriors. Golden State has lost three in a row, and for the season are just 15-15 without Green in the lineup.
6. Memphis (43-21)
Ja Morant has done more than just lead the Grizzlies to one of its best starts in franchise history. He has become the most exciting guard in the game, a human highlight waiting to happen who has become a must-see for NBA fans.
7. Utah (39-23)
The Jazz is back in the pack atop the West, doing so because of strong play at both ends of the floor. Utah is 8-2 in its last 10 games, and ranks among the NBA’s top-10 in both offensive and defensive rating, in that span.