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Suns top weekly NBA power rankings

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-10 12:47

NEW YORK - The Phoenix Suns came to the top of NBA power rankings this week by playing strong on road including handling the Celtics their first loss the season on Friday.

Phoenix Suns' Jason Richardson (3rd R), battles Washington Wizards' Gilbert Arenas (2nd R) and Brendan Haywood (R) during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game in Washington, November 8, 2009. Wizards' Fabricio Oberto (21) and Suns' Channing Frye (8) watch the action. [Agencies]

Five of Suns' seven games have been on the road in their remarkable 6-1 season opening, who made Boston look like a bad defensive team.

The Celtics were one place down to second with a 7-1 record. Playing eight games in 12 days. Tired legs affected the defense and the three-point shooting.

The Lakers were one place up to third with Kobe Bryant leading the league in scoring again. Lakers are surviving without Pau Gasol, needing overtimes to win in Oklahoma and Houston this week.

The heat also climbed one place up, joining the Nuggets on the list of teams we didn't think could have a better season than they did last year. But they've got a top-five defense and Dwyane Wade hasn't had to carry as big of a load.

From fifth to tenth are Orlando Magics, Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Blazers and Houston Rockets, who jumped three places to reach top ten.