Toughest division

The Pacific Division standings certainly were interesting to look at Friday with four teams above .500 and the Phoenix Suns – – a preseason NBA Finals pick by some – – bringing up the rear at 2-5.

Even Golden State, which hasn’t made the playoffs in forever, has recovered from an ugly season-opening loss to the Lakers and is now 6-3. Baron Davis had 36 points and 18 assists Thursday night as the Warriors beat Sacramento at home.

It’s only mid-November but the question can be asked of whether the Pacific will be the NBA’s toughest division this season. Lakers coach Phil Jackson seemed to cast his vote for the Southwest, where San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans/Oklahoma City and Dallas all could be powerhouses.

Said Jackson: “Itll be a challenge to make the playoffs this year in this conference.