Writers who rank the 30 NBA teams took notice of the Knick loss and have dropped the team accordingly. John Schuhmann of NBA.com and Marc Stein of ESPN put the Nets at #23. Schuhmann asks, "is it time to start the kids?" while Stein asks, "If the Nets can't beat the Knicks anymore, what exactly are they holding on to?" SI's Marty Burns lists them at #20, but adds, "they might have no choice but to blow it up". The Sun's John Hollinger says #25 and "get that dynamite out."
- The Blazers are Groovy - John Schuhmann - NBA.com
- Power Rankings: Celtics reach No. 1 ... at long last - Marc Stein - ESPN
- Blazers on a roll despite injuries; Magic hit the skids - Marty Burns - Sports Illustrated
- Trading Season Brings New Opportunity - John Hollinger - New York Sun