NBA Power Rankings Week 2: The rise of the Atlanta Hawks

Last Week: Beat Sacramento Kings 116-100, Beat New Orleans Pelicans 111-86, Beat Utah Jazz 106-95, Beat the Denver Nuggets 106-103

This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. LA Clippers, 1/6/2021 vs. Toronto Raptors, 1/8/2021 at Detroit Pistons, 1/9/2021 at Indiana Pacers

After a close loss to end the week against the Sacramento Kings, there were some questions about the Phoenix Suns. They answered those questions this week. Phoenix avenged that loss against the Kings the following day and then made quick work of the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz before squeaking past the Nuggets.

They will have too much for many teams to handle on most nights. Devin Booker will find himself in the MVP conversations this season and looks like a different leader than a season ago. Chris Paul does not have to blow up the stat sheet (though he does that frequently) to impact the game. He is carrying over his league-altering clutch production and forming this team into one that cannot be counted on to fade away.

This ranking goes beyond the stars, however. Cam Johnson and Cameron Payne have posted one of the league’s best net ratings in the young season as a bench duo. Mikal Bridges has grown increasingly comfortable in his role and will surprise many an unsuspecting foe. Jevon Carter is a problem on the defensive end. Watch out if he continues to make shots.

The Phoenix Suns are for real. This is not just reacting to offseason signings. The production on the court is equally exciting to this point.