NBA STANDINGS--MARCH 2, 2010

1. Cleveland .770
2. Lakers .754
3. Orlando .672
4. Dallas .656
5. Denver .650
6. Atlanta .644
7. Boston .638
8. Utah .633
9. Phoenix .613
10. Oklahoma City .610
11. San Antonio .586
12. Portland .571
13. Toronto .525
14. Chicago .517
15. Houston .508
16. Milwaukee .508
17. New Orleans .508
18. Memphis .500
19. Miami .492
20. Charlotte .483
21. Clippers .417
22. Philadelphia .373
23. Washington .368
24. Detroit .350
25. New York .339
26. Indiana .333
27. Sacramento .333
28. Golden State .288
29. Minnesota .230
30. New Jersey .102

As March begins, the Cavaliers struggle to maintain their position atop the NBA. As Lebron James pointed out so clearly, basketball is a team effort, and it takes more than one great player to win a championship. The Lakers appear to have stabilized their offensive and defensive strategies well enough to maintain their position behind Cleveland. As both teams near the ¾ mark, the ability to maintain the discipline and concentration necessary to survive in the playoffs becomes more obvious to everyone. Championships are not maintained or won by wishful thinking, but by a determined team effort. Spring is almost here, so let’s try to get and stay healthy for the playoffs!

Mark Overt Skilbred