The 2022-23 NBA season has been full of surprises. The Sacramento Kings’ victory beam has seemingly given them a newfound winning ability, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference, and the New Orleans Pelicans look like serious Finals contenders. As expected, these sudden developments are the result of an improved offense, and this article will rank the league’s top five most improved teams (offensively).
5. Brooklyn Nets
One could say that the All-Star duo of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant was always expected to dominate the league and that the fourth-seeded Brooklyn Nets are simply doing what they are supposed to do: Win. Well, regardless of how long it took the Brooklyn Nets to do so, they are now winning. Returning from an embarrassing first-round exit in the 2021-22 NBA playoffs paired with a trade rumor-filled offseason, the Nets (currently sitting at 4th in the East) have been determined to make things right entering the 2022-23 season.
4. Portland Trailblazers
“Slept on” is the only way I would describe the Portland Trailblazers this season. Despite being urged by fans, media, and players to leave, Damian Lillard (averaging 24.7 points and 7.4 assists this season) returned to the Trailblazers over the off-season to finish what he started. The six-time NBA All-Star missed the majority of last season due to injury, causing the Blazers to finish with a 27-55 record, but has picked up where he left off in previous seasons and helped Portland to the 6th spot in the Western Conference. The quickly improving Anfernee Simons looks like the next Robin to Lillard’s Batman (a title that was previously held by CJ McCollum), averaging 24 points, 3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on the season, career highs in all three categories. The acquisition of Jerami Grant has also proven to be vital to the success of Portland thus far, as his 22.5 points per game have been crucial in the games that Dame has missed this season.
3. Boston Celtics
It’s crazy to think that the Boston Celtics have gotten even better after winning the Eastern Conference Championship last season, but they did. Despite a last-second coaching change, the Celtics currently hold the best record in the league (21-6), making them the team to beat. The duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to easily dissect their foes, averaging 30 and 26 points respectively. The Celtics have proven to be a team that can win when facing serious competition, recently destroying the Phoenix Suns 125-98.
2. New Orleans Pelicans
The West-leading Pelicans have turned things around for themselves in less than a year’s time. This New Orleans team showed flashes of winning ability during their 2021-22 playoffs appearance in which they took the (then top-seeded) Phoenix Suns to six games, but have now solidified themselves as a team that knows how to win. Led by Zion Williamson (averaging 24.4 points on 60.5% FG percentage) the Pelicans have now found their identity as a team and are currently on a six-game winning streak. Although Zion is the clear leader of this team, elite players like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum provide much-needed depth to a recently rebuilt Pelicans team. The energy that the Pelicans bring each night can also be attributed to Jose Alvarado’s defensive antics paired with Williamson’s high-flying dunking ability, ensuring excitement on a nightly basis.
1. Sacramento Kings
“LIGHT THE BEAM! LIGHT THE BEAM!” A chant heard during nearly every Sacramento Kings home game this season.
For those who don’t know: The Kings introduced a new “victory beam” this season, a purple, laser-powered spectacle that illuminates the sky following every Kings win. The Kings currently sit at the fifth spot in the Western Conference, a surprising turn of events for a team that has missed the playoffs in 16 straight years. Beating the Warriors, Nets, and Lakers, the Kings have changed the narrative surrounding their name this season.
Delivered by Cullen Avent
