With the Thunder's overwhelming victory over the Rockets, the Spurs' big win, and the Grizzlies and Suns suffering comebacks, the NBA Western Conference rankings have been released.

On January 17th Beijing time, the NBA regular season kept going with more matches finishing yesterday. The Grizzlies were dramatically overturned 111-118 by the Magic, the Suns lost 105-108 to the top Eastern team Pistons in a comeback, the Thunder controlled the Rockets with a 111-91 blowout, and the Bucks were soundly defeated 101-119 by the Spurs. Consequently, the updated Western Conference rankings show Thunder in first place, Spurs second, Rockets sixth, and Grizzlies tenth!

Grizzlies vs. Magic. This game took place in Berlin, Germany, with Wagner making a quick return. The Grizzlies started aggressively, storming ahead and quickly building a lead of more than 20 points. However, the Magic launched a massive counterattack, steadily closing the gap and restoring suspense. In the final moments, Wagner kept scoring, fueling a collective effort that led the Magic to complete an incredible comeback!

Suns vs. Pistons. The Suns played without Booker but gradually gained momentum, consistently hitting three-pointers from outside. They dominated the first quarter as visitors, scoring 32-23 and leading by 9 points. In the second quarter, the Pistons improved their offensive efficiency, and both teams exchanged baskets, with the lead hovering around 10 points. The Pistons kept closing in during the second half. The final quarter was full of missed shots by both sides, with the Suns struggling offensively and missing several threes, while the Pistons had a low free throw percentage. Because Allen missed a game-tying three, the Pistons ultimately completed the comeback to defeat the Suns!

Thunder vs. Rockets. The Western Conference-leading Thunder faced the Rockets again. The first quarter saw tough defense from both sides and low shooting percentages, resulting in a back-and-forth battle. In the second quarter, both teams' shooting improved dramatically, but the Thunder were more efficient, pulling ahead by 7 points at halftime. In the second half, the Rockets tried to claw back, narrowing the gap to 2 points by the end of the third quarter. In the decisive final quarter, the Rockets suddenly collapsed; Durant struggled with his shot while the Thunder unleashed a furious scoring spree, outscoring the Rockets 34-16 in the quarter, sealing the game decisively and crushing the Rockets, ending their five-game winning streak and securing first place!

Bucks vs. Spurs. This game was one-sided from the start. The Spurs’ offense was extremely efficient in the first half, dominating the Bucks and quickly building a double-digit lead. In the second half, the Bucks completely fell apart, getting outscored 40-16 in one quarter. By the end of the third quarter, the lead exceeded 30 points, effectively deciding the game early. The Bucks rallied in the final quarter only to reduce the deficit and save some pride. Ultimately, six Spurs players scored in double digits, showcasing a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Bucks and ended their losing streak!

Written by Sports Fiction