When evaluating how different teams are performing in the NBA, checking the standings is usually one of the first things one would do. Getting a read of where teams are in terms of wins and losses typically gives a good picture of how that team has performed within the season.
But there is also a lot to be gained from researching specific statistical categories and seeing where a certain team ranks within that category. Doing so can help give a more accurate assessment of a team's strengths as well as their weaknesses.
Here, we will look at the NBA's current standings ordered in terms of opponent points per game. This is an interesting one to note for several reasons. Firstly, it is very hard to win a championship while being a bad defensive team. Several coaches have pointed out that it never happens, and you must be at the bare minimum an average-level defensive team to win on the biggest stage in the NBA.
Secondly, fans have grown weary of high scoring games where no one can seem to get a stop. Toward the end of last year's regular season, the NBA seemed to begin allowing more lenient officiating from referees in order to empower defenses and give fans a better product to watch.
NBA standings ordered by opponent points per game
1. Oklahoma City Thunder - 95.3 ppg
2. Golden State Warriors - 100.7 ppg
3. Miami Heat - 106.7 ppg
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - 106.8 ppg
5. Houston Rockets - 107.0 ppg
6. LA Clippers - 108.0 ppg
7. Dallas Mavericks - 108.3 ppg
8. Minnesota Timberwolves - 108.7 ppg
T-9. Boston Celtics - 109.3 ppg
T-9. Orlando Magic - 109.3 ppg
11. San Antonio Spurs - 110.7 ppg
12. Phoenix Suns - 110.8 ppg
13. Denver Nuggets - 112.0 ppg
14. Brooklyn Nets - 112.7 ppg
15. New Orleans Pelicans - 113.0 ppg
16. New York Knicks - 113.3 ppg
17. Los Angeles Lakers - 113.8 ppg
18. Detroit Pistons - 114.5 ppg
19. Charlotte Hornets - 114.7 ppg
20. Portland Trail Blazers - 114.8 ppg
21. Sacramento Kings - 115.3 ppg
22. Indiana Pacers - 117.3 ppg
23. Philadelphia 76ers - 117.7 ppg
24. Milwaukee Bucks - 119.0 ppg
25. Toronto Raptors - 120.5 ppg
26. Chicago Bulls - 120.5 ppg
28. Atlanta Hawks - 121.3 ppg
29. Memphis Grizzlies - 122.3 ppg
30. Washington Wizards - 125.3 ppg
Surprise teams in the NBA standings by opponent points per game
The LA Clippers are one of the biggest surprises on this list. Many had tabbed the Clippers as a surefire bet to miss the playoffs this year after losing Paul George, but they have rebounded in a big way so far. An influx of strong role players and terrific defenders has given LA an edge to begin this season. Had they avoided overtime against the Suns on opening night, the Clippers would be looking at a perfect 3-0 record.
Another big surprise would be the Golden State Warriors coming in at number two. For a team that ranked 19th in opponent scoring last season and 21st the year before that, the Warriors have put together a surprisingly solid stretch of defense to begin the year.
A more disappointing surprise performer so far is the Milwaukee Bucks. Coming in at 24th, the Bucks have been a big letdown at the defensive end, and it has led to them dropping contests to the lowly Bulls and Nets.
These teams are unlikely to all remain in their current range for the entire season. But examining early trends can give us a better big picture of where there is more work to be done for teams with high expectations, and who is already exceeding their anticipated outcome.