Playing hard is its own reward, of course, but it also can be helpful in keeping you out of last place in the power rankings. NBA.com, SI and ESPN all have the Nets out of the basement, even after four losses. While the offense remains a (big) problem with four starters out, the Nets were second in overall defense and fourth in perimeter "D" last week. They were last in offense. The effort in Florida also made the Sez proud.

• Hawks putting it together, while Lakers plummet - John Schuhmann - NBA.com
• Power Rankings: Hawks soar to No. 1 spot - Marc Stein - ESPN
• NBA Power rankings - Chris Mannix - Sports Illustrated
• Sussman Sez: Eight is (almost) Enough - Gary Sussman - New Jersey Nets
• 2009-2010 Hollinger Power Rankings - John Hollinger - ESPN