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NBA Power Rankings Week 5: How good are the Utah Jazz?

By Corey Rausch

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 21, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 21, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

. 8-7. Previous: 13th. Phoenix Suns. 12. team. 66

Last Week: Lost to Memphis Grizzlies 108-104, Beat Houston Rockets 109-103, Lost/OT to Denver Nuggets 130-126, Lost/2OT to Denver Nuggets 120-112

This Week: 1/27 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 1/28 vs. Golden State Warriors, 1/30 at Dallas Mavericks

The Phoenix Suns have come back down to earth a little after looking like one of the best teams in the league. They dropped three of their four games this week and have lost five of their last seven dating back to Jan. 8. Growing pains were expected for the team but there is one overarching issue.

This is a Chris Paul team now, not a Devin Booker team. For better or worse, the team is playing at a slow, methodical pace just the way the veteran point guard tends to thrive in. The Suns play at the third slowest pace in the league. While this works for Paul, Booker is the type of player who thrives in fast-paced offense.

None of this is to say that the two do not fit. Booker still looks like an All-Star and even with the losses the games are coming down to the wire. If any of these close games go the other way, suddenly this is not a current worry. However, worrying about it now could end up being a blessing in disguise for Phoenix.

The Suns have the makings of a dynamic playoff team so figuring out the correct pace for them will be essential for maximizing their potential. With all of the young talent on this roster, taking advantage of their athleticism seems like the ticket to success.