It is still early days in the 2021-22 NBA season, but the signs are looking good so far for some of the league's laughingstocks. The New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and the Washington Wizards have started the season like a house on fire, each recording 5-1 slates in their first six games to top the Eastern Conference.
Knicks' balanced offense makes them tough to beat
In their latest win, RJ Barrett starred for the New York Knicks, scoring a career-high 35 points in New York's 123-117 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. He shot 12 of 18 from the field and also chipped in eight rebounds and six assists. The Knicks needed every bit of Barrett's production, with Julius Randle scoring just 10 points.
Powering New York's ascent to the top of the rankings is its outstanding offense. The Knicks are second in the league in scoring, averaging 117.0 points per game this season. New York's depth has been incredible this campaign, with five of its players averaging in double figures. The Knicks have also flourished on the road this campaign, winning their first three away games.
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DeRozan and defense powering Chicago's success
The Chicago Bulls showed their title credentials on Saturday night as they handed the Utah Jazz their first loss of the season at United Center. DeMar DeRozan starred for the Bulls in their 107-99 victory, scoring a season-high 32 points on 13 of 22 shooting from the field.
Zach LaVine also impressed despite playing with a torn ligament in his left thumb, scoring 26 points. Eight of those came in the fourth quarter, helping Chicago quell Utah's uprising. Nikola Vucevic overcame a poor shooting night by registering a double-double, racking up 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bulls were in fine form on the defensive end, as their relentless pressure forced Utah to commit 20 turnovers. That proved costly for Utah as Chicago turned those errors into 25 points. This season, the Bulls are sixth in defensive rating, posting a 99.3 mark through the first six games. They are eighth in the league in steals, averaging 9.2 this season.
Wizards thriving with offseason additions
No Russell Westbrook? No problem! The Washington Wizards shipped their All-Star guard to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade this past offseason, but that has not stopped Washington from posting its best start in the NBA in years. The Wizards have struck gold with their offseason additions, with Spencer Dinwiddie, Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope providing much-needed depth to their lineup.
Dinwiddie has been solid at the point guard position, averaging 19.8 points and 4.8 assists per game. Harrell has rediscovered his Sixth Man of the Year form, averaging 19.3 points per outing for the Wizards. Kuzma and Caldwell-Pope have proven to be key weapons as well, averaging 15.5 and 9.5 points, respectively.
Beal has flourished as a result, with the Wizards now boasting a more balanced lineup. He went berserk in the double-overtime win against Boston, scoring 36 points.
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