5 Teams that have exceeded expectations in the 2020-21 NBA season so far

The 2020-21 NBA season has given us some predictable situations, such as the LA Lakers and the LA Clippers sitting at the top of the Western Conference.

However, some teams in both conferences have been playing at a surprisingly high level, and their records have been impressive. In this article, we will list the five teams that have impressed the most in the first few weeks of NBA action.

5 Teams that have exceeded expectations in the 2020-21 NBA season

Granted, seeing the LA Lakers and the LA Clippers with two of the best three records on the West was expected. Still, seeing some other squads, with less talent on paper, put together good records is amazing.

Let us take a look at the five teams that are exceeding expectations in the 2020-21 NBA season so far.

#5 Philadelphia 76ers - W-L Record: 6-1

Yes, the team with the current best record in the NBA have been impressive. It is not about the Philadelphia 76ers having a team to compete with the NBA's elite. They have been impressive because many did not know what to expect from the mixture of an experienced head coach and a group of players led by two young stars.

The Sixers have put together their best start to a season since the 2000-01 NBA season, when Allen Iverson led the Larry Brown-coached team to the NBA Finals.

Also Read: What is Allen Iverson’s net worth now?

Their 6-1 start is the best in today's NBA, and their current four-game winning streak is the longest current streak. Doc Rivers' coaching has been noticeable on the defensive end, as the 76ers have the best Defensive Rating in the NBA. (99.8).

Joel Embiid has been huge for Philadelphia. The center is averaging 23 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists per game. Ben Simmons has been efficient, with 13 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists per game.

To Philly's best performers, we must add Tobias Harris, who has been impressive. Harris is averaging 19 points and eight rebounds so far.

#4 Golden State Warriors - W-L Record: 4-3

Sacramento Kings v Golden State Warriors.

Even though the Golden State Warriors started the year with two blowout losses to the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks, they bounced back admirably. Many tipped Golden State to struggle massively after Klay Thompson went down with an Achilles injury and was forced to miss another season.

However, the Warriors and Stephen Curry have improved, slowly but surely. After starting 0-2, they have won four of their last five games. Stephen Curry is averaging 37 points, six rebounds, and six assists with 50/42/98 shooting splits, including his memorable 62-point night against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Draymond Green's return has been huge for them, too, while rookie James Wiseman has adapted well to the league (averaging 11 points and six rebounds in 22 minutes per game).

Moreover, Andrew Wiggins has been improving his shot and is averaging 17.6 points per game on 41/39/71 shooting splits.

#3 Orlando Magic- W-L Record: 5-2

The Orlando Magic have had an impressive start to the 2020-21 NBA season. Of course, they have made it to the NBA Playoffs in the last two seasons with a similar core of players and with coach Steve Clifford calling the shots on the sidelines.

Still, a 5-2 record to start the season has been surprising from an Orlando roster that has many weapons but no elite players.

Nikola Vucevic has been their offensive leader. The center is averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds per game, and he is an underrated player. Vucevic has made 52% of his field goals and 47% of his three-pointers (5.4 attempts per game).

Terrence Ross has been huge from the bench and is averaging 20 points per night. Beyond Vucevic and Ross, Orlando has three other players scoring over double figures on a nightly basis: Evan Fournier, Markelle Fultz, and Aaron Gordon.

#2 Indiana Pacers - W-L Record: 5-2

The Indiana Pacers have been in the NBA Playoffs for the last five seasons. Now, with a similar group of players from last year, but with a new coach in Nate Bjorkgren, Indy's start has been impressive.

They got off to a 3-0 start and have a 2-2 record in their last four games. They have registered wins over the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and New Orleans Pelicans, four NBA teams that are over .500 at the moment.

Domantas Sabonis has been the best all-around player for the Pacers. He is averaging 21 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists per night. Malcolm Brogdon (22 PPG) and Victor Oladipo complete Indiana's trio of 20-point scorers per game.

#1 New York Knicks - W-L Record: 4-3

The New York Knicks have shocked almost the entire NBA world with their solid start to the 2020-21 NBA season.

Coach Tom Thibodeau started his stint with the New York Knicks with two predictable losses to the Indiana Pacers and the Philadelphia 76ers.

However, the Milwaukee Bucks and the two-time reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo visited the MSG on December 27th, and the Knicks beat them soundly by 20 points.

The Knicks have won four of their last five games. The wins include a payback victory against the Indiana Pacers, their blowout against Milwaukee, and a recent win over the red-hot Atlanta Hawks.

Julius Randle has been the main contributor for the Knicks. The left-handed forward is averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists per game.

However, New York has five players apart from Randle with an average of at least 10 points per game: Alec Burks, RJ Barrett, Elfrid Payton, Austin Rivers, and Immanuel Quickley.

More importantly, they have had this tremendous start without their main rookie, Obi Toppin, who suffered a strained calf and has just one appearance to his name.

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