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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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

2. team. 77. . 12-4. Previous: 4th. Los Angeles Clippers

Last Week: Beat Indiana Pacers 129-96, Beat Sacramento Kings 115-96, Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 120-106

This Week: 1/24 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 1/26 at Atlanta Hawks, 1.28 at Miami Heat, 1/29 at Orlando Magic

Even for the staunchest LA Clipper doubters, it is getting increasingly tough to not acknowledge the level of dominance this team is exhibiting thus far. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have come out with a different level of intensity than a year ago. No matter what Paul George said about the year being championship or bust, the rest of the team is playing like it is and that is bad for whoever takes the court with them.

This is about more than just the two All-Stars. Luke Kennard is an efficient nightmare for opposing defenses. He is shooting lights out (splits of .495/.464/.900) and is making anyone who questioned the contract extension before the season look foolish. He was given an opportunity when Lou Williams went out of the lineup and has proven he deserves to remain.

Nicholas Batum has been better than even the most optimistic Clipper fans could have hoped. Ivica Zubac has taken to his role off the bench and is thriving. The latest victims of the Clippers never stood a chance. Winning all of their games this week by an average margin of 22 points makes things actually look closer than they are. Good luck to anyone who faces this version of the Clippers.