T he Golden State Warriors entered their Wednesday night contest against the West's top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder shorthanded. While Steph Curry returned from injury, they were

Alexander could score 50, shackled by efficiency and blowout wins. One week later, it's been required of the Thunder star. Twice.  But in a loss? That felt unfathomable. Incomputable. Illegal.

The pecking order at the top of the league has been set for a while (as evidenced by very little movement at the top of this week's Power Rankings), but the deadline provides a quick shot of adrenaline and variety,

While James was quick to squash the narrative that the Lakers' 117-96 win over the defending champion Celtics meant anything beyond a regular season victory in January, it's no secret that the Lakers have been on a heater as of late.