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Marco Silva makes ‘lucky’ #Liverpool claim after Fulham defeat

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12 months ago

January 12, 2024

Marco Silva makes ‘lucky’ #Liverpool claim after Fulham defeat

Fulham boss Marco Silva reacts to his side’s 2-1 defeat at Liverpool in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie between the teams

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ByIan DoyleChief Liverpool FC Writer
03:00, 11 JAN 2024UPDATED10:05, 11 JAN 2024
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 10: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Marco Silva manager of Fulham during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield on January 10, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Marco Silva manager of Fulham during the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg match against Liverpool (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Marco Silva believes Liverpool were “lucky” to find a way back into their League Cup semi-final against his Fulham side.

The visitors were in control having been given a first-half lead by William in their first leg clash at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

However, Liverpool scored twice in three minutes midway through the second half through Curtis Jones and substitute Cody Gakpo to earn a 2-1 triumph.

The strike from Jones took a huge deflection off Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo that wrong-footed goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp explains Darwin Nunez selection decision and why he’s baffled by Liverpool striker’s luck

READ MORE: What the Kop did after Liverpool winner spoke volumes as Darwin Nunez truth emerges

And Cottagers boss Silva said: “A bit lucky goal the first goal, a deflection that changed completely the game. The only thing that is disappointing is the way we managed the next 10 minutes.

“It is a big frustration for us. We spoke about it before the game, how we were winning 3-2 (in December at Anfield in the Premier League) and we lost the match in the last five minutes. We know what can happen against these sides and this crowd. It was a big boost for them after that.

“The goal they scored at 1-1 lifted everything. After that, for five or 10 minutes we have to keep the cohesion. We have to be really smart and unfortunately for us we weren’t.

“In a competition where we are playing two legs, we cannot concede a fast attack like that (for the second goal). Liverpool had one or two chances to score the third. The reality is that Leno kept us in the game.”

The second leg takes place at Craven Cottage in a fortnight. And assessing the position of the tie, former Everton manager Silva added: “It’s still tight. We lost the first half (of the tie) and we have to go for it in the second.

“Two different halves (in the first leg). It wasn’t our best performance, even so first half we had a plan. We were ruthless in the first moment we got in their box, really good from Willian. Second half was different, we struggled a bit more. When you have players from the bench like Gakpo and Nunez it can to give them more pace and intensity.”

Fulham had a great chance to double their lead early in the second half when Bobby De Cordova-Reid shot at Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher with Andreas Pereira unmarked in the area.

And Silva said: “It is one of the key moments. We reacted really well after the first 10 minutes of the second half. Bobby didn’t see Pereira was going to be one v one with the goalkeeper. It is what it is. We had that moment to score the second goal. We are going to fight for what we want. It is going to be tough. Liverpool is winning the result now.”

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LIVERPOOL“Transfer shocker: Liverpool beats Real Madrid to sign £190m target, as confirmed by his agent after victory!” DONE DEAL Published 6 months ago on July 16, 2023By soccerlivenews

“Transfer shocker: Liverpool beats Real Madrid to sign £190m target, as confirmed by his agent after victory!”
DONE DEAL
According to O Jogo, despite interest from Manchester City, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, Argentina’s World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez is prioritizing a move to Premier League superpower Liverpool
Benfica took a risk and accomplished something no one else would have done six months ago. They activated the £18 million release clause in Enzo Fernandez’s River Plate contract.

klopp
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Even the most enthusiastic Benfica supporter could not have predicted how far Enzo would progress in such a short period of time.

The 21-year-old playmaker smiled for images on Sunday night at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium while carrying a World Cup winner’s medal around his neck, the Young Player of the Tournament award in one hand, and the Jules Rimet in the other.

Meanwhile, his asking price has risen from £18 million to about £100 million, with the Portuguese giants unwilling to let Enzo depart for anything less than his exorbitant release clause.

Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez
LIVERPOOL LEAD THE CHASE TO SIGN ARGENTINA’S WORLD CUP WINNER ENZO FERNANDEZ.

According to La Capital, the Merseyside giants have already agreed to terms with Enzo’s club. O Jogo has now presented evidence to support his claim. Liverpool will also match any bid made by rival suitors, who include Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United.

Liverpool appears to be given ‘priority’ by Enzo.
Enzo has made it clear that he wants to become the most expensive signing in the history of one of Europe’s most illustrious football clubs. And, as his outstanding performances in the Qatar World Cup revealed, he is not a man who gives in under pressure.

Liverpool has a good working relationship with Benfica as well. They agreed to a £64 million deal for Darwin Nunez last August.

Darwin Nunez’
Darwin Nunez’
“He has a bright future,” Argentina captain Lionel Messi said of Fernandez, who kicked off Sunday’s final victory over France. “Enzo is an exceptional genius.” He exudes charisma and makes amazing passes. Spectacular.”

His playing talent is absolutely incredible. “At only 21 years old,” recalls former Real Madrid coach Jose Peseiro.

“The best player with whom I worked at Real Madrid was Zinedine Zidane.” Of course, I don’t want to draw parallels. But I’m speaking to Enzo’s brief and spectacular vision, which reminds me of Zidane.

“What exactly is Enzo’s age?” Is he 21?”That’s either a lie or a stroke of genius!”

Other News
‘Almost done’: Liverpool is on the verge of signing a crucial player, and his wife has agreed – journalist
Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez
Jorg Schmadtke is allegedly close to being hired as Liverpool’s new sporting director, with the German expected to supervise Jurgen Klopp’s summer plans
According to Sky Germany writer Florian Plettenberg, despite the fact that terms have been agreed upon, the former VfL Wolfsburg official has yet to sign his contract with the Anfield club, despite the fact that Schmadtke’s wife has given her approval for the move to take place in the coming weeks.

Schmadtke, a personal friend of Klopp’s, is set to play a crucial role in Liverpool’s summer business, with the former Bundesliga transfer head entrusted with monitoring the German market and identifying targets from the country who may be of interest to the Reds.

Jurgen-Klopp-Darwin-Nunez
Jurgen-Klopp-Darwin-Nunez
Liverpool would love to recruit Schmadtke sooner rather than later, with the summer transfer market only a few weeks away, but this newest update looks to imply that the Anfield club revealing the announcement is only a matter of time.

Liverpool’s acquisition of Schmadtke might be critical for Klopp’s next squad.

News #Schmadtke: It’s almost done but NOT signed yet. But the former Wolfsburg boss will become the new transfer boss of #LFC. Mainly focused on the German market. Top relation between him and Klopp for years.

Last details have to be clarified confirmed. His wife has given the… pic.twitter.com/5qBLtlxPtf

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 23, 2023

Schmadtke has a great reputation in his native Germany, and while he won’t be at Anfield for long, his work with Klopp might define the Reds for years to come.

Most Liverpool fans appreciate how crucial this transfer window is for the club, and with Klopp now gaining the services of a sporting director in Schmadtke whom he trusts, the pair might set the groundwork for the Merseyside club.

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LIVERPOOLLiverpool ready to sign £35M million treble-winner to replace departing FabinhoPublished 3 hours ago on July 16, 2023By matchlivenews

Liverpool ready to sign £35M million treble-winner to replace departing Fabinho

It has been claimed that LIVERPOOL are now ready to pay £35 million in order to try and sign Man City star Kalvin Phillips.

At Leeds – Phillips established himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League – and that prompted Man City boss Pep Guardiola to take him to the Etihad.

However – the move has not quite worked out and he has struggled to make an impact -with a number of injuries keeping him on the sidelines more often that he would have hoped for.

That has led to stunning reports in the media that West Ham are eyeing up a stunning deal for the midfielder – especially as they are seeking a replacement for the much talked about Declan Rice.

However – it now seems that Liverpool are very much interested in a move for the midfielder as they seek to sign a replacement for the departing Fabinho.

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IcFootballnews believes that the Reds are keen to sign the out-of-favour English international and will offer £35 million to get the deal done this summer.

It has been claimed that Liverpool have already contacted Phillips regarding a potential summer move, and the 27-year-old is open to arriving at Anfield.

WOULD HE BE A GOOD SIGNING FOR LIVERPOOL?

When Phillips joined Man City – he must have believed that his career was going to go to that next level – but with all the quality that the club have – he has really struggled.

He is a very good player and a man that Liverpool fans would love – so it may be the best thing for him to leave City this summer – as he needs to reignite his career.

And at LIVERPOOL – it could be the big move that helps him win MORE trophies and achieve his goal of reaching that next level in the game

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Former Liverpool man looks unrecognisable and is now playing ‘like Messi’ over seven years after leaving
The Liverpool ECHO’s chief LFC writer Ian Doyle caught up with former Reds defender Martin Skrtel in Singapore for a chat about life at and after Anfield

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ByIan DoyleChief Liverpool FC Writer
14:35, 11 JAN 2024UPDATED14:36, 11 JAN 2024
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Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool talking with Martin Skrtel and Lucas Leiva Liverpool Legends during a training session on July 28, 2023
Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool talking with Martin Skrtel and Lucas Leiva Liverpool Legends during a training session on July 28, 2023 (Image: Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

For anyone who hasn’t cast eyes on Martin Skrtel for a while, his appearance can come as a shock.

Famed for his aggressively-shaven head during his playing days at Liverpool, the former defender strides into the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Singapore with a fine head of hair.

“It’s not fake!” he laughs. “A lot of people have now said that I do not look as scary or ugly any more, so I think I will keep it!”

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That, though, is nothing compared to how Skrtel is now enjoying his football. Having retired professional in 2022, the former centre-back is keeping a promise by turning out for local club FK Hajskala Raztocno.

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“You wouldn’t believe it, but I’m the striker for them now!” he says to the ECHO. “Actually, I’m more of a Messi-style player in that I just go where I want. When I left my village at 15 to play professionally, I said to my friends that one day when I have retired that I would come back and play with them again.

“And they remembered that, so in the last few years of my career they’d be calling me saying, ‘just finish, we want to play with you again!’. Then when I retired, obviously my fitness wasn’t the best but I wanted to fulfil my promise, so I went back.

“It’s the lowest division in Slovakia, the level isn’t the best. In the first game I was at centre-back, and I like to pass the ball out from the back but there wasn’t anyone to pass to. So I said to the coach, ‘maybe I should go to the midfield and have the ball a bit more’. So I stayed there all season and scored a few goals. I enjoy it because it’s different. You’re just playing the game and afterwards can have a few beers. It’s great!”

Skrtel, now 38, was among the group of former players invited to join Liverpool’s tour of Singapore. And he has enjoyed seeing a few familiar faces after leaving in the summer of 2016 at the end of Jurgen Klopp’s first season in charge.

“To be a part of the club again and see how the fans are happy to see me again is something special and an honour for me,” he says. “I am thankful for it. Unfortunately I’ve only been back three to Anfield three times since I left as I was always busy playing. I came back for two Legends games and also for an appearance there as we are doing a movie about my career. I was there filming some stuff. It’s always nice to come back. Now I’m retired I have more free time and hopefully I’ll be able to come back more often.”

The Liverpool chapter of Skrtel’s cinematic debut started when he arrived from Zenit St Petersburg for £6.5million in January 2008. But while aware there was a chance of moving to Merseyside, that it was to Anfield was a surprise to the ex-Slovakia international.

“It’s quite a funny story,” he says. “I was always dreaming about going to England and was talking to my agent a lot about it. Just before I signed for Liverpool, I played with Zenit in the UEFA Cup against Everton at Goodison, and there were rumours after the game that Everton were asking about me.

“At that moment I wasn’t thinking about a particular club, I just wanted to go to England and told my agent that if he could find something, then it would be great.

“Then he called me and said we’d be travelling to England for talks with a club, and in my mind I thought it was going to be Everton. But then when he said it was Liverpool, I was in shock. I would never dream about joining such a big club with so many big players. It was a great moment for me and my family and I’m very happy it turned out that way.”

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Skrtel went on to play more than 300 games for the Reds, scoring in the League Cup final win over Cardiff City in 2012 and named player of the season for 2011/12. However, his first start for the club, in the FA Cup against Havant & Waterlooville, didn’t exactly go to plan.

“If I’m being honest the beginning of my Liverpool career wasn’t the best,” he says, having been credited with an own goal that afternoon. “I came as an unknown player without a lot of experience and the people maybe had big expectations from me when I signed.

“But I just tried to do my best and try to learn from my team-mates and improve every day. At that moment, Rafa Benitez was helping me a lot, supporting me all the time and tried to give me more confidence. Then my time with Liverpool got better and better.”

Skrtel is one of few players to have played under five different managers at Liverpool, having started with Benitez, worked with Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish and Brendan Rodgers, and then finally Jurgen Klopp.

“Every single one was different,” he says. “Rafa brought me to the club, he was the first big manager I’d met although I was with Dick Advocaat at Zenit. When you are at Liverpool working under Rafa Benitez it’s something else. He taught me a lot, spoke to me every day, and he gave me more than any other manager tactically.

“When he left, Roy Hodgson came and he had a different style but it was only a short spell with him. Then it was Kenny, then Brendan and obviously Jurgen, who I had a short time with.

“I try to take something from every manager I work with. They are all experienced managers and good people. I was quite lucky to have them at Liverpool, they were always nice to me and tried to make me a better player.”

The Premier League crown eluded Skrtel, as it did Liverpool until they ended a 30-year wait for the championship in 2020. There were, though, thrilling title challenges under Benitez in 2008/09 and Rodgers in 2013/14.

“Every team is different, with different players and different styles to play,” says Skrtel. “I wouldn’t try to pick a better team from either of those. It was just a shame we couldn’t manage to win it.

“In 2009 you have Torres, Alonso, Gerrard and Hyypia, but then in 2014 it was Coutinho, Sturridge, Suarez, Sterling. Maybe if you put them together it would be the best team in the world!”

The 2013/14 season witnessed arguably Skrtel’s best game for Liverpool and one of the most celebrated Anfield matches of the Premier League era, the 5-1 win against Arsenal in which the Reds were 4-0 up inside a blistering opening 20-minute spell in which they also hit the post and missed two other great chances.

“People still come up to me and talk about that game,” says Skrtel. “In fact, I had a conversation about it this week with an Arsenal fan.

“I had never before scored two goals in a game. We had a free-kick early on the left and Stevie (Gerrard) was going to take it and signalled he was going to put it into the space where I was running, and I scored. After 10 minutes we had a corner and I’m thinking, ‘well, this won’t be aimed at me as I’ve already scored’, but then it was and I scored again. It was crazy!

“As a defender you don’t score many goals, so I was happy for every single one. So that game was a special one in a special season. Arsenal were top at that point. We beat Tottenham 4-0 and Everton 4-0 at home that year. It was a great season but unfortunately we couldn’t quite finish on top.”

After leaving Liverpool, Skrtel spent the majority of the rest of his career in Turkey, first with Fenerbahce and then Basaksehir before one final season back in Slovakia with Spartak Trnava. However, there was also a very brief spell in Italy when he swiftly realised playing in a three-man defence wasn’t his forte.

“Atalanta are a great club but I felt it wasn’t the right choice and after three weeks I decided to terminate the contract,” says Skrtel. “I just had a feeling it was the wrong choice to move there. There were rumours of a falling out with the coach but that wasn’t true. I went back to Turkey and won the league with Basaksehir in my first season, so that worked out well for me.”

So to the present, and Skrtel believes that while the Liverpool squad may have a new look, one aspect hasn’t changed.

“We are talking about Liverpool, one of the biggest teams in the world,” he says. “The targets should always be the highest for this season. But obviously we know how competitive the Premier League is, and it’s never going to be easy when you have clubs like Man City, Man United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

“But with the quality we have in the team – new players are in and some have left – I saw them against Leicester here in Singapore and they look sharp. If the players can stay fit and the squad remains strong – it’s going to be a long and tough season – I believe Liverpool can get back to the position where they belong.”

A version of this piece was first published in August 2023

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‘We listen’… Daniel Farke says £500,000 player asked to leave Leeds United this month
Thu 11 January 2024 14:04
Will Butcher
Luke Ayling’s move to Middlesbrough from Leeds United was confirmed on Wednesday evening and Daniel Farke has told Thursday’s press conference that he wanted to keep Ayling at Elland Road.

Ayling, 32, joined Middlesbrough this week. He links up with a growing Leeds connection at Boro, with Sam Greenwood currently on loan there. Jonny Howson is the captain, Jonathan Woodgate a coach.

With his contract expiring in the summer and Ayling – along with Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas – not likely to get a new Leeds deal, it is expected that his Leeds spell is over. He may join Boro permanently.

It is the second right-back to leave Leeds this month, with Djed Spence’s loan cancelled. He has gone back to Tottenham, and is set for a loan to Genoa in Serie A. Daniel Farke commented on Ayling’s exit.

Photo by Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
He says that the £500,000 signing, who has played nearly 300 times in seven and a half years for the Whites, asked to leave. Farke also explains how he wanted to keep Ayling – as per the club’s YouTube.

“A special situation. Selfishly, it is not like my numbers here are too big. You want to keep a player like Luke – because of his quality, but also because of who he is. After the cup game, he came to see us.

“He asked if we would allow a move. When a player with a CV like his, for this club, you have to listen. He’s done so much for the club, he’s given so much back. You have to keep in mind his situation.

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“He wanted to get more minutes because the fire is still burning. We said we wanted to keep him, but because he is so professional and so loyal, he deserved to choose when you want to go,” Farke said.

Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Daniel Farke says he wanted to keep Luke Ayling at Leeds United
It was the right move for Ayling and his career, taking the heart and romance out of it. Of course, having Ayling in and around the Leeds squad – even if he is not playing – would be brilliant. But that’s not reality.

Reality is that Ayling is still a football player and it would be silly to think that Ayling would be happy as a Leeds back-up player. He is a quality option that could still thrive at a big Championship side, like Boro.

A brilliant move for Ayling, and the right move for Leeds to let him go. Well managed by Farke, allowing him to leave rather than putting his wants and desires first. Still, incredibly sad to see Ayling exit Leeds.

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2024 NBA trade deadline: Latest buzz, news and reports
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What does Grizzlies’ future look like with Ja Morant out for season? (1:00)
ESPN.com
Jan 11, 2024, 08:00 AM ET
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The 2024 NBA trade deadline is Feb. 8, and expect to see plenty of movement as teams look to shake up their rosters.

Which moves will impact the landscape of the NBA heading into the 2024 playoffs? And what deals will affect teams looking to rebuild ahead of the draft in July?

Get all of the news, intel and analysis from our experts here, including trade grades and destinations for every player who could be on new teams.

More: Trade tracker | Grading every trade

Jan. 10
1:30 p.m. ET: What does the future hold for the Atlanta Hawks’ backcourt? According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hawks are “talking [Dejounte] Murray deals — and others — throughout the league.”

2024 NBA trade deadline

Complete coverage of all things related to NBA trades leading up to the Feb. 8 deadline.

• Roundtable: Early deadline insights
• Marks: Big questions facing every team
• Pelton: Should Cavs trade Mitchell?
• Windhorst: Roster holes for contenders
• Try your deal in the NBA trade machine

“I think the Hawks are open to ALMOST anything at the trade deadline, but there’s no question that they’ve gone as far as they’ll probably go on Dejounte Murray’s pairing with Trae Young in the backcourt,” Wojnarowski wrote on Threads.

Wojnarowski also added the Charlotte Hornets have no intention of trading LaMelo Ball or Brandon Miller before the deadline.

Meanwhile, is there a possibility Jarace Walker could be included in a Pascal Siakam deal if he went to the Indiana Pacers? Wojnarowski wrote that the Pacers are very determined not to include Walker in any trade.

10 a.m. ET: What will the Golden State Warriors do at the deadline? On the “Brian Windhorst & Hoop Collective” podcast, Windhorst, Kevin Pelton and Marc J. Spears discussed the Warriors’ need for a No. 2 scorer behind Stephen Curry.

The trio reviewed the possibility of Golden State adding Toronto Raptors forward Siakam, Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan or guard Zach LaVine as options for the 2022 NBA champions. The Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen was also briefly mentioned, but the Jazz currently sit above the Warriors in the Western Conference standings.

Some Golden State players mentioned that could be involved in a potential trade: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga and veteran All-Star guard Chris Paul.

Meanwhile, will the Memphis Grizzlies make trades after Ja Morant’s season-ending injury? The Collective also brought up possible moves for the Grizzlies, including moving Luke Kennard and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.

Jan. 8
12:15 p.m. ET: Will the Golden State Warriors be active ahead of the trade deadline, and what kind of deal could they actually make? Speaking on “The Lowe Post,” ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Kendra Andrews discussed the Warriors’ limited options in trying to salvage the season.

While Siakam could be a target for the Warriors, there may not be much of an appetite to give up a player like Kuminga or Moses Moody in order to bring the two-time All-Star — who could become a free agent this offseason — to the Bay.

Jan. 6
3:10 p.m. ET: The Indiana Pacers will continue to look at Siakam, wrote Wojnarowski on Threads.

Jan. 5
7:00 p.m. ET: The Chicago Bulls might have trouble finding a new home for two-time All-Star LaVine if they decide to move him before the trade deadline, according to Wojnarowski.

“There is not a market for Zach LaVine right now in the NBA, and that’s not because Chicago has not tried to find it,” Wojnarowski said on “NBA Countdown.”

Jan. 3
1:30 p.m. ET: According to Wojnarowski, the Atlanta Hawks are open to trades leading up to the February trade deadline, and general manager Landry Fields seems determined to make changes to the roster.

Dec. 30
12:25 p.m. ET: The New York Knicks acquired forward OG Anunoby in a trade that sent RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick to the Toronto Raptors, the teams announced. The Knicks also got forward Precious Achiuwa and guard Malachi Flynn in the deal.

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NBA Power Rankings: Clippers and Kawhi surge, as Knicks make run in East

The LA Clippers have won six of their past seven games, led by forward Kawhi Leonard. ESPN
ESPN
Jan 10, 2024, 08:00 AM ET
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We’re about a month away from the 2024 NBA trade deadline (Feb. 8, 3 p.m. ET), and things are starting to heat up around the league.

The Minnesota Timberwolves remain at the top of a competitive Western Conference, but the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets are hot on their tails.

The Los Angeles Lakers have taken a tumble in our rankings after an in-season tournament spree, and the Golden State Warriors will look to find their rhythm with the anticipated return of Draymond Green.

As trade deadline rumblings start to get louder throughout the month, we’ll keep you up to date with what’s happening around the league. Can the Boston Celtics be dethroned? Will the Milwaukee Bucks fix their issues? And which teams will fulfill their New Year’s resolutions? Let’s take a look at this week’s Power Rankings.

Note: Throughout the regular season, our panel (Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin and Ohm Youngmisuk) is ranking all 30 teams from top to bottom, taking stock of which teams are playing the best basketball and which teams are looking most like title contenders.

Previous rankings: Post-Finals | Nov. 1 | Nov. 8 | Nov. 15 | Nov. 22 | Nov. 29 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 13 | Dec. 20 | Dec. 27 | Jan. 3 |

Jump to a team:

ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Boston Celtics
2023-24 record: 28-8

Previous ranking: 1

Next games: vs. MIN (Jan. 10), @ MIL (Jan. 11), vs. HOU (Jan. 13), @ TOR (Jan. 15)

Even after a couple of close losses to the Thunder and Pacers in the past two weeks, Boston still ranks second in the league in offense and defense and has a healthy lead in net rating at plus-10.4 points per 100 possessions. All the while, the Celtics have had a rotating cast of characters in and out of the lineup because of injuries. The next week sees Boston host its counterparts atop the West in the Timberwolves, as well as the return of former coach Ime Udoka with the Rockets on Saturday. — Bontemps

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1:45
The top Celtics plays of the weekJaylen Brown’s high-flying jams highlight the best plays from the Celtics over the past week.

2. Denver Nuggets
2023-24 record: 26-12

Previous ranking: 5

Next games: @ UTAH (Jan. 10), vs. NO (Jan. 12), vs. IND (Jan. 14), @ PHI (Jan. 16)

When Nikola Jokic does something eye-popping, it’s typically some statistical feat that hasn’t been done since Wilt Chamberlain’s playing days. On Sunday, Jokic took just three shots and scored only four points but had 16 assists and five blocks, becoming just the third player with at least 15 assists and five blocks in a game since blocks became an official stat in 1973-74, joining Jamaal Tinsley and Jalen Rose. Denver has won 12 of its past 15 games but will play on the road in six of its next eight, including a five-game East Coast swing. The Nuggets’ record is just 11-8 away from Denver. — Youngmisuk

3. Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 record: 26-10

Previous ranking: 3

Next games: @ BOS (Jan. 10), vs. POR (Jan. 12), vs. LAC (Jan. 14)

The Timberwolves remain atop the West with the second-best record in the NBA, but their lead over the Thunder and Nuggets has dwindled to one game. The Wolves dropped three of their past five games heading into a back-to-back against a pair of Eastern Conference contenders. After defeating the Magic on Tuesday night, they’ll have a showdown with the Celtics on Wednesday — a matchup between two teams with the best records in each conference. — Collier

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Top plays of the week from the TimberwolvesRevisit the top plays this past week from Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and the Wolves.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder
2023-24 record: 24-11

Previous ranking: 4

Next games: @ MIA (Jan. 10), vs. POR (Jan. 11), vs. ORL (Jan. 13), @ LAL (Jan. 15)

Chet Holmgren had his third 30-point performance of the season in Monday’s win over the Wizards, and he has shot better than 60% from the floor in all of them. Holmgren has surprised many scouts and coaches around the league by instantly establishing himself as an efficient and effective scoring complement to MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Holmgren is averaging 17.8 points while shooting 55.1% from the floor and 40.9% from 3-point range. No rookie has ever averaged that many points with an effective field goal percentage as high as Holmgren’s (62.4). — MacMahon

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1:47
The Thunder’s best plays of the weekLook back at the Oklahoma City Thunder’s best plays of this past week.

5. Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 record: 25-12

Previous ranking: 2

Next games: vs. BOS (Jan. 11), vs. GS (Jan. 13), vs. SAC (Jan. 14)

Milwaukee has dropped four of its past five games, avoiding a losing streak with a narrow victory over San Antonio last week. The Bucks’ defense ranks 25th since the start of the month, causing two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to blast the team’s effort on that end after a loss to the Rockets over the weekend. The next three games will be a test, as the Bucks host Boston, Golden State and Sacramento. — Collier

6. LA Clippers

2023-24 record: 23-13

Previous ranking: 7

Next games: vs. TOR (Jan. 10), @ MEM (Jan. 12), @ MIN (Jan. 14), vs. OKC (Jan. 16)

The Clippers lost for only the third time since the end of November with an ugly 106-103 defeat to the Lakers. It was a rare outing in which Kawhi Leonard and James Harden struggled, shooting 10-for-30 combined. But it served as a wake-up call: Ty Lue’s team crushed the Suns on Monday, handling them for the second time in five days. Part of the Clippers’ surge has been fueled by the impressive play of center Ivica Zubac, who has benefited from Harden’s passing. In his past six games, Zubac has had two colossal performances: 22 points and 19 rebounds in the loss to the Lakers, and 15 points and 20 rebounds in a win over Memphis on Dec. 29. — Youngmisuk

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1:43
The Clippers’ best plays of the weekIvica Zubac’s poster jam is among the Clippers’ top plays of the past week.

7. Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 record: 23-12

Previous ranking: 6

Next games: @ ATL (Jan. 10), vs. SAC (Jan. 12), vs. HOU (Jan. 15), vs. DEN (Jan. 16)

It has been an ugly week for Philadelphia, which had a pair of bad losses to New York and Utah last weekend. To make matters worse, reigning MVP Joel Embiid, after missing four games because of a sprained ankle, now is going to miss at least two more, including Wednesday’s game in Atlanta, because of knee swelling. — Bontemps

2024 NBA trade deadline

Complete coverage of all things related to NBA trades leading up to the Feb. 8 deadline.

8. Dallas Mavericks
2023-24 record: 22-16

Previous ranking: 10

Next games: vs. NY (Jan. 11), vs. NO (Jan. 13), vs. NO (Jan. 15)

Forward Derrick Jones Jr. has provided major value on a veterans minimum deal, earning a starting role and the respect of his coaches and teammates by typically taking the most difficult defensive assignment. “If you look at his build, there’s not a lot of muscle, but he loves the competition,” coach Jason Kidd said. “He loves to compete, he loves to win. He wants to be a part of something that is about the team, and so you couldn’t ask for a better role player that plays at the highest level for us.” Jones is averaging a career-best 10.3 points, benefitting from the attention defenses pay to Luka Doncic, who has assisted on 49 of Jones’ 134 field goals. — MacMahon

9. Sacramento Kings
2023-24 record: 21-14

Previous ranking: 8

Next games: @ CHA (Jan. 10), @ PHI (Jan. 12), @ MIL (Jan. 14), @ PHX (Jan. 16)

The Kings have suffered three bad losses since Christmas: two against losing teams (the 10-25 Blazers and 8-25 Hornets), in addition to a blowout vs. the Pelicans. Not all is lost in Sacramento, but at this point, it’s clear the Kings haven’t taken as big a leap as they hoped they would after last season’s magic. What’s most concerning? Their offense ranks 14th, which is not great for a team that has always struggled with … defense (currently ranked 20th). — Andrews

10. Miami Heat
2023-24 record: 21-15

Previous ranking: 9

Next games: vs. OKC (Jan. 10), vs. ORL (Jan. 12), vs. CHA (Jan. 14), @ BKN (Jan. 15)

The Heat somehow don’t have a losing record when Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler or Tyler Herro have been out this season, despite each of them missing at least 10 games. That’s in part because of Miami’s roster depth. Miami has eight players averaging at least 10 points, and a ninth (Kyle Lowry) at 9.2 points. — Lopez

11. New Orleans Pelicans
2023-24 record: 22-15

Previous ranking: 12

Next games: @ GS (Jan. 10), @ DEN (Jan. 12), @ DAL (Jan. 13), @ DAL (Jan. 15)

After a rough start to the season, the Pelicans’ star trio of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum is starting to play some of its best basketball. Last season, in just 172 minutes on the floor together (over 10 games), the three were plus-62 with a plus-16.5 net rating. In 309 minutes (18 games) this season, the trio is only a plus-9 with a net rating at minus-1.0. However, in the past five games playing together, they have a 135.9 offensive rating and a plus-15.4 net rating in 76 minutes. As that group goes, so go the Pelicans. — Lopez

12. New York Knicks
2023-24 record: 22-15

Previous ranking: 14

Next games: @ DAL (Jan. 11), @ MEM (Jan. 13), vs. ORL (Jan. 15)

After a blowout win over the Blazers on Tuesday night, New York is now 5-0 since the OG Anunoby trade, with the NBA’s best defense and net rating over that span and the new forward fitting perfectly in coach Tom Thibodeau’s system. But while they have already racked up impressive wins over the Timberwolves and 76ers with Anunoby in the fold, the new-look Knicks have a busy stretch ahead: at Dallas on Thursday, at Memphis on Saturday and then home vs. the Magic and Rockets next week. — Bontemps

13. Indiana Pacers
2023-24 record: 21-15

Previous ranking: 13

Next games: vs. WAS (Jan. 10), @ ATL (Jan. 12), @ DEN (Jan. 14), @ UTA (Jan. 15)

The Pacers are feeling some relief after an MRI revealed guard Tyrese Haliburton avoided a serious injury Monday night. However, he will miss at least two weeks because of a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, putting a damper on what had been an impressive start to 2024 for the Pacers. Indiana, and its historically dynamic offense, is 4-1 this month with a pair of wins over Milwaukee and a win over Boston. The Pacers are the only team with multiple wins over the Bucks and Celtics this season. — Collier

14. Orlando Magic
2023-24 record: 21-16

Previous ranking: 11

Next games: @ MIA (Jan. 12), @ OKC (Jan. 13), @ NY (Jan. 15)

When teammate Franz Wagner went down against the Kings on Jan. 3, Paolo Banchero stepped up in a big way with a career-high 43 points. He followed that up with the first triple-double of his career (32 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds) in a win over the Nuggets in Denver, and he’s averaging 34.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists over his past five games. — Lopez

15. Cleveland Cavaliers
2023-24 record: 21-15

Previous ranking: 16

Next games: vs. BKN (Jan. 11), vs. CHI (Jan. 15)

It was a good week on the court for Cleveland — winning three in a row and going 7-3 over its past 10 games — but also a bittersweet one. Veteran point guard Ricky Rubio, who played parts of the past two seasons with the Cavs, retired from the NBA at age 33. A favorite in the organization for his spirit and generous attitude, Rubio made a “special mention to Cleveland” in his retirement letter for the Cavs’ understanding as he stepped away from the game to focus on his mental health. — McMenamin

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16. Phoenix Suns
2023-24 record: 19-18

Previous ranking: 15

Next games: @ LAL (Jan. 11), @ POR (Jan. 14), vs. SAC (Jan. 16)

Monday’s 27-point loss to the Clippers makes one wonder about the state of a Suns team that had championship aspirations. Granted, it was the second night of a back-to-back for Phoenix, and the Clippers were looking to bounce back from a loss to the Lakers, but the Suns were disappointing. Suns coach Frank Vogel said the Clips are a “complete team.” Right now, at 19-18 and ninth in the West, giving the Suns a grade of incomplete would be generous. — McMenamin

17. Houston Rockets
2023-24 record: 18-17

Previous ranking: 18

Next games: @ CHI (Jan. 10), @ DET (Jan. 12), @ BOS (Jan. 13), @ PHI (Jan. 15)

Injuries to Dillon Brooks (oblique) and Tari Eason (lower leg) have created an opportunity for rookie forward Cam Whitmore. The 19-year-old has scored 54 points and shot 58.3% from the floor and 53.8% on 3s in 69 minutes over the past five games, a stretch in which the Rockets went 3-2. It’s the first time that Whitmore, who played in only five of the Rockets’ first 25 games, has appeared in five straight NBA games. The No. 20 overall pick displayed his scoring ability by averaging 27.0 points with a 62.4 true shooting percentage in 13 G League games. — MacMahon

18. Los Angeles Lakers
2023-24 record: 19-19

Previous ranking: 17

Next games: vs. PHX (Jan. 11), @ UTA (Jan. 13), vs. OKC (Jan. 15)

So much for the Lakers needing a little home cooking to turn things around after a long December. They opened up a home-heavy January schedule with two alarming losses: one to the Heat, in which the Lakers shot 4-for-30 from 3 and committed 22 turnovers, and another to the Grizzlies, in which L.A. was outscored by 14 in the fourth quarter. The Lakers turned it around with a win Sunday over the Clippers and another Tuesday against the Raptors, but these next couple of weeks will be crucial in determining what kinds of moves the team should pursue at the deadline. — McMenamin

19. Golden State Warriors
2023-24 record: 17-19

Previous ranking: 19

Next games: vs. NO (Jan. 10), @ CHI (Jan. 12), @ MIL (Jan. 13), @ MEM (Jan. 15)

The Warriors welcomed Draymond Green back to their facility over the weekend, but he’s still about a week away from returning to the court. And at this point, it’s highly unlikely Green will solve all of Golden State’s problems — the team has a losing record with and without him. The Warriors have struggled all season on the defensive end (they rank 21st), and the hope is Green’s return makes an impact there. But with no lineup combinations working at all, it’s unclear what needs to change for the Warriors to find a rhythm and sustain it. — Andrews

20. Utah Jazz
2023-24 record: 18-20

Previous ranking: 22

Next games: vs. DEN (Jan. 10), vs. TOR (Jan. 12), vs. LAL (Jan. 13), vs. IND (Jan. 15)

Utah is one of the hottest teams in the league. The Jazz are 11-4 over their past 15 games, with only the Celtics, Nuggets and Clippers recording more wins in that span. Utah has won seven of nine games since 2021 Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson returned from a hamstring injury to a reserve role. The combination of Clarkson and center Walker Kessler, who is also coming off the bench, has been especially effective. The Jazz have outscored opponents by 79 points in their 155 minutes on the court together over the past nine games. — MacMahon

21. Chicago Bulls
2023-24 record: 17-21

Previous ranking: 21

Next games: vs. HOU (Jan. 10), vs. GS (Jan. 12), @ SA (Jan. 13), @ CLE (Jan. 15)

Zach LaVine has eased his way back into the lineup after missing 17 games because of a foot injury. LaVine has come off the bench in his first two games back, averaging 12.0 points, 4.5 assists, four rebounds and just 9.5 field goal attempts. After winning two straight (both against the Hornets), the Bulls have moved up to ninth in the Eastern Conference, with Lavine providing some much-needed momentum as they prepare to host the Rockets and Warriors before traveling to San Antonio and Cleveland. — Collier

22. Toronto Raptors
2023-24 record: 15-22

Previous ranking: 24

Next games: @ LAC (Jan. 10), @ UTA (Jan. 12), vs. BOS (Jan. 15)

While there has been plenty of focus on the positive impact of OG Anunoby in New York, don’t look past how well Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett are fitting with Toronto early on. Barrett had a huge 36-point outing in a blowout win Sunday over the Warriors, and both players have instantly slotted into Toronto’s backcourt seemingly as the long-term starters alongside rising star forward Scottie Barnes. — Bontemps

23. Brooklyn Nets
2023-24 record: 16-21

Previous ranking: 20

Next games: vs. CLE (Jan. 11), vs. MIA (Jan. 15)

It has been a disastrous stretch for the Nets since they essentially sat eight players in a loss to Milwaukee in late December. Their loss to the Trail Blazers in OT on Sunday was their sixth in seven games, leaving the Nets with a very long flight to Paris for Thursday’s game against the Cavaliers. Over that seven-game stretch, the only teams with a worse net rating are the Trail Blazers and Wizards. — Bontemps

24. Atlanta Hawks
2023-24 record: 14-21

Previous ranking: 23

Next games: vs. PHI (Jan. 10), vs. IND (Jan. 12), vs. WAS (Jan. 13), vs. SA (Jan. 15)

The Hawks will try to avoid history Friday night when they host the Pa

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