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It's Monday, which means experts around the interwebs are sounding out on the state of the league through their weekly power rankings.
After a 4-0 week punctuated by a throttling of the Knicks in MSG, the Spurs are rising in the hearts and minds of NBA pundits, with most placing San Antonio at the all-too-familiar number two spot. It's hard to argue with the unanimously top-ranked Pacers, who are undefeated at 7-0, but there are other choices that might just raise a unibrow or two.
Marc Stein from ESPN, (Spurs rank: 2, last week's rank: 4)
Here's what the Spurs think of know-it-alls like you-know-who doubting they can bounce back from NBA Finals devastation: They've looked sharper out of the gate than any team bar Indiana and soon will see Timmy and Tony hit 600 career wins as a tandem, bettered by only three duos ever.
Yahoo! Sports (Spurs rank: 2, last week's rank: 6)
The Spurs are off to a great start despite Tim Duncan averaging a modest 13.3 points and 6.6 rebounds. The Spurs have winnable games ahead against Philadelphia, Washington, Utah and Boston.
Jason Patt from SBNation NBA (Spurs rank: 2, last week's rank: 7)
The Spurs also enjoyed a perfect 4-0 week, capping things off with a 120-89 drubbing of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. San Antonio has been been excellent defensively, ranking second overall in points allowed per game and third in defensive efficiency.
Matt Moore from CBS Sports (Spurs rank: 4, last week's rank: 7)
I was really concerned despite the record until the Knicks win. That might have been a sign that they can turn it on when they want. Surprisingly, there still are some things to work out with this team.
What do you think Pounders? Happy with riding shotgun (for the most part) for now, or would you rather lie low this early in the year?
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Bonus Editor's Pick: This link is to the excellent Prada's Pictures, which contains a ton of interesting and fun analysis, even if this week's entry doesn't include anything Spurs-y.
More from Pounding The Rock:
- Phil's Fantasy Basketball Monday: Danny Green is hot, and more from around the league
- Morning Rehash: Spurs crush Knicks in matinee matchup
- Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers
- Kawhi Leonard goes coast to coast against New York
- Tony Parker's one-man fast break ends in a twisting, spinning, backwards layup