The San Antonio Spurs' performance this season once again confirms the three Texas illusions, with hardly any major changes in their lineup and everyone being a year older on average; they now sit atop The West, leading the pack.
The Celtics are ranked fourth.
The Lakers have dropped to fifth place for the first time.
They first lost to the Grizzlies in early December, then suffered a 16-point defeat to the Heat in the recently concluded Christmas Day game, and the successive losses in big matches hint that the Lakers are facing unprecedented difficulties this season.
The Grizzlies continue to climb in the rankings, reaching the sixth position for the first time.
The Grizzlies still hold the fourth spot in The West, but over the past month, they have successively beaten championship-contending teams like the Lakers, Magic, and Bulls.
The Mavericks have slipped to the seventh spot.