National Basketball Association

2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: San Antonio Spurs On Top In Week 20

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 2:15 a.m. ET

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Mar 3, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates after a basket by teammate guard Patty Mills (not pictured) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Spurs defeated the Pelicans 101-98 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 20 of NBA Power Rankings, the San Antonio Spurs overtake the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers for the top spot.

With Kevin Durant out for at least a month and the Golden State Warriors dropping back-to-back regular season games for the first time since 2015, there's a new sheriff in town atop our NBA Power Rankings: the San Antonio Spurs.

Though the Cleveland Cavaliers are in that conversation as well, and though the Dubs are still dangerous with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green healthy, the Spurs have quietly been chugging along for far too long to not seize the No. 1 spot in our Week 20 rankings.

With just over a month of regular season left, the Warriors will be put to the test without KD, especially as they still have two road meetings with the Spurs looming. Only 2.5 games separate the teams with the two best records in the NBA, so those head-to-head matchups will be even more important.

The question is, where does the rest of the NBA lie outside of our power three? To sort it all out, here's a look at our Week 20 NBA Power Rankings.

Mar 1, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) dribbles the ball during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. The Nets defeated the Kings 109-100. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

10-50

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 30th

Since then, it's been a return to the status quo, however: Two double-digit losses despite emerging players like Isaiah Whitehead, Quincy Acy, Sean Kilpatrick, Spencer Dinwiddie and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson trading off decent performances.

Mar 3, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) is fouled by Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) as he drives to the basket in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

19-44

Last week: 0-3Last rank: 29th

The Lakers struggle to get players to the 20-point plateau most nights, we're still waiting for a blue-chip franchise star to reveal himself and thanks to the Nets' win over Sacramento, Los Angeles now owns the NBA's longest active losing streak at seven games. At least they're pretty much guaranteed to keep that top-three protected pick!

Mar 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Wells Fargo Center. The Detroit Pistons won 136-106. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers

23-39

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 26th

These are the questions we're left to dwell on with Embiid and Ben Simmons not making any more appearances in 2016-17, though we should probably mention with Nerlens Noel gone (and playing well in Dallas, by the way), the Philadelphia 76ers are only three games out of the third-worst record in the NBA. The Process continues.

Mar 1, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings

25-37

Last week: 0-2Last rank: 25th

It's almost comical that Buddy Hield's "Steph Curry potential" is coming off the bench, but that might not be an issue with Ben McLemore being a restricted free agent this summer…along with Sacramento's other SEVEN potential free agents.

Mar 3, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives against Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks

25-38

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 24th

At this point, we're pretty much sick of hearing about the Triangle, Derrick Rose's abhorrent defense and whatever the next drama to come out of Madison Square Garden is. In other words, it was perfectly fitting that the Knicks chose not to play music and let the fans soak in the miserable silence during the first half of Sunday's loss. With all the other distractions, we really shouldn't lose sight of how bad the actual basketball is.

Mar 3, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel huddles up with guard Evan Fournier (10) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) and Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross (31) against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic

23-40

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 23rd

Still, there's more to like in Orlando these days, including Nikola Vucevic returning to form, Mario Hezonja getting run off the bench, Terrence Ross fitting in so well and back-to-back double-doubles for Aaron Gordon. Oh, and also the league's fourth-worst record that has the Magic in line for a valuable first round draft pick.

February 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets

27-35

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 27th

Cody Zeller is back, Kemba is back to 30-point games and Marvin Williams seems to have relocated his three-point stroke. With three games separating Charlotte from a playoff spot, there's never been a better time to go on a run.

Mar 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker greets young fans following the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Thunder 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns

21-42

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 28th

As if legendary broadcaster Al McCoy's induction into the Ring of Honor wasn't enough, the Suns actually made it a good week with three straight wins over Charlotte, OKC and Boston. The Hornets are terrible now, the Celtics were shorthanded and the Thunder are currently struggling, but from Alan Williams' double-doubles to Derrick Jones Jr. getting in Russell Westbrook's grill to Tyler Ulis anchoring a suddenly potent second unit with nifty scoring, exemplary court vision and Sunday's game-winner, the good vibes of youth are finally flowing.

Next: No. 22

Mar 4, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

25-37

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 21st

Also worth mentioning: It was nice to see Ricky Rubio, a player who has taken WAY too much unfair criticism over the years, be the one to set the NBA's single-season record for most combined triple-doubles in the league during his 11-13-10 effort against San Antonio

Mar 3, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) walks with forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) as guard Jrue Holiday (11) looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center. The Spurs defeated the Pelicans 101-98 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

25-38

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 19th

Of course, the Pellies got another win prior to that game, but Cousins was suspended in that contest for yet another technical foul. If this new star tandem has one last desperate push for the playoffs in them, they'll be relying on Boogie to keep his temper in check and avoid yet another suspension.

Mar 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) drives for the basket against LA Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks

28-33

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 20th

However, in more important news, the Milwaukee Bucks are still alive in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt after going 2-1 this week, moving within 1.5 games of the 8-seed. Losing Jabari Parker still hurts, but at least it hasn't taken long for Khris Middleton to look like himself again.

Mar 3, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) reacts to a fouls call during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks

26-36

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 18th

Harrison Barnes continues to produce, Seth Curry and Yogi Ferrell have been absolutely delightful, Nerlens Noel dropped 15 points and 17 boards in a game this week, and even Dirk Nowitzki added two double-doubles in three outings. It might not lead to the playoffs, but the Mavs are a fun underdog story nonetheless. Even if the post-Dirk era won't come for at least another year, it looks much brighter than it used to.

Mar 2, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) speaks with Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) during the first half of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trail Blazers

26-35

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 22nd

Speaking of Nurkic, did anyone know he had the capacity to be such an effective passer? Because since being unleashed by head coach Terry Stotts in Rip City, the Bosnian Beast is averaging 14.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.

Mar 4, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) reacts during the second half against the LA Clippers at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

31-31

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 13th

At this point, seeing promise like that out of the younger crew is the only thing to distract us from the non-sensical trade Chicago made at the deadline…along with the feeling that Jimmy Butler is wasting away on a middling team that can't decide between facing a full-scale rebuild and actually figuring out how to build around its franchise star.

Feb 25, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second quarter at Amway Center. Orlando defeated Atlanta 105-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

34-27

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 14th

Here's hoping Jose Calderon is a decent stopgap at the backup point guard spot previously manned by Malcolm Delaney.

Feb 28, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) reacts after making a shot during overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 120-113 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons

30-32

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 16th

Marcus Morris has been on a tear in particular, putting up a career night against Portland with 37 points, eight rebounds and six assists, plus another 22 points in Detroit's second win of the week. Are we heading for another 1 vs. 8 playoff matchup between the Cavs and Pistons in the first round?

Mar 1, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) drives for the basket as Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets

28-34

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 17th

That blame can hardly fall on Nikola Jokic, however, after he recorded back-to-back triple-doubles in Denver's two wins this week before slapping up 31 points and 14 boards in the loss to Charlotte.

Feb 27, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) celebrates with teammates after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers

32-30

Last week: 1-1Last rank: 15th

The Pacers' first game was a loss to San Antonio that ended with a Kawhi Leonard game-winner, while Glenn Robinson III was able to knock down the game-winning triple with his father in attendance in their second game against Atlanta.

Mar 3, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) reacts after being called for a foul against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Raptors won 114-106. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

37-26

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 12th

Playoff positioning may not work out in Toronto's favor, but the real key to this team's season will be how quickly its All-Star point guard can return and regain proper form. With Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker fitting in so well, not to mention Norman Powell being a legitimate game-changer off the bench, the Raptors could be scary if they can get back to full strength.

Mar 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder

35-28

Last week: 1-3Last rank: 7th

This writer has vehemently defended Russ from unfair criticism in the past, but with Westbrook's assist tally for the season "slipping" to 10.04 per game, it might be time for this leading MVP candidate to stop trying to do it all by himself. Or, you know, actually get him some shooters to spread the floor.

Mar 4, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) scores a layup against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies

36-27

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 10th

OKC's recent struggles keep Memphis one game ahead in the standings for the West's 6-seed, but since Houston — their first round playoff opponent if the season ended today — just finished wiping the floor with the Grizz, they'd probably prefer to make up the 1.5-game gap separating them from the Clippers at No. 5.

Mar 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin and guard Chris Paul watch on the bench in the final minute during a NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center. The Rockets defeated the Clippers 122-103. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers

37-25

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 9th

The Clips now have a combined 2-7 record with a -12.0 point differential against the Warriors, Spurs and Clippers — the Western beasts this team looked capable of vanquishing in the first month of the season. Sadly, it's starting to look like that team no longer exists, and they've only got one month to find it again before heading for troubled free agency waters.

Mar 4, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

29-34

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 11th

Whatever the case, everything seems to be clicking for Erik Spoelstra's team. Goran Dragic looks like the same player who led a similarly plucky Suns team to 48 wins in 2013-14, Dion Waiters is playing the best basketball of his life, Hassan Whiteside is a double-double monster and the two Johnsons — Tyler and James — are a legitimate force off the bench. Only 1.5 games separate Miami from a playoff spot, and if this torrid pace continues, Detroit could be in trouble.

Mar 3, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) shoots in the first quarter against Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert (22) with help from teammate center Rudy Gobert (27) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

39-24

Last week: 2-2Last rank: 5th

Even Utah's two wins this week were underwhelming, with one coming against the lowly Nets and the other being a one-point overtime win over the talent-deprived Kings. Rudy Gobert game-winners are fun, but it probably shouldn't take one to knock off Sacramento these days.

Next: No. 6

Mar 3, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts after he is fouled by Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (not pictured) on a drive to the basket in the second half of the game at Staples Center. The Celtics won 115-95. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

40-23

Last week: 2-1Last rank: 8th

Despite 35 revenge points from Isaiah Thomas, the Suns got the win by stealing the ball from the King of the Fourth in the game's waning moments…and then draining the game-winner in his face. The Boston Celtics were playing without Al Horford and Avery Bradley, but that one will definitely sting for a guy who hasn't been shy when it comes to speaking his mind about how his Suns tenure ended.

Mar 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Wizards guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) controls a ball as Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) tries to defend during the fourth quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Washington Wizards won 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards

37-24

Last week: 3-1Last rank: 6th

Splitting back-to-back contests against Toronto was somewhat disappointing with Kyle Lowry sidelined, but with Bojan Bogdanovic averaging 15.3 points per game on blistering .529/.553/1.000 shooting splits since joining the Wizards' second unit, this team has plenty to be excited about.

Feb 28, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) lies on the court after being fouled against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

51-11

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 1st

There's plenty the Warriors have to address with KD sidelined and Matt Barnes certainly isn't going to fill the void, but if Curry can harness that momentum he found in Madison Square Garden on Sunday, the Dubs have a chance to hold off San Antonio for that No. 1 seed.

Mar 3, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) waits for the game to resume in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers won 135-130. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers

42-19

Last week: 1-2Last rank: 3rd

Still, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost their game against Miami with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving sitting out, and that supposedly important loss to the Celtics was far more important for Boston, who faced a Cavs team playing without two starters in Kevin Love and J.R. Smith. A 1-2 record this week doesn't look great, but this team is just fine.

Mar 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after a 3-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. The Rockets defeated the Clippers 122-103. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets

44-19

Last week: 2-0Last rank: 4th

Even better, Clint Capela has played exceptionally well for Houston lately, putting a 14 and 12 double-double off the bench against Lob City and a 24 and 11 against Memphis' monster front line.

Mar 1, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) makes the game winning basket over Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George (13) during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs

48-13

Last week: 3-0Last rank: 2nd

Kawhi has legitimately entered the MVP debate, Pau Gasol has been terrific off the bench and the Spurs won three close games this week (albeit against lesser competition). Now the question is whether Gregg Popovich's squad can make up that 2.5-game gap separating them from the No. 1 overall seed…especially with two matchups at the AT&T Center against the Dubs still remaining.

Where does your favorite NBA team land in Week 20 and where SHOULD they be? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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