NBA Power Rankings Week 7: The revenge of the Los Angeles Lakers

Last Week: Beat/OT Miami Heat 129-121, Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 118-111, Lost to Utah Jazz 138-121

This Week: 2/7 vs. Washington Wizards, 2/8 vs. Houston Rockets, 2/10 at Memphis Grizzlies, 2/12 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The record for the Charlotte Hornets this week was less than impressive but there were still plenty of positives for the young guys on this team to build on. Malik Monk went off while Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball found themselves moving into the starting lineup.

Let’s start with Monk because that had to be the most unlikely of the bunch. He exploded for 36 points against the Miami Heat, including nine 3-pointers. He has always been a shooter, going back to his 50-point game against North Carolina while playing for the University of Kentucky. Seeing it all come together for a night was a treat. If he can start playing with that level of confidence more often, it would be a huge step forward for the Hornets.

Ball remains the star of the week for Buzz City. With Terry Rozier missing two games this week, Ball moved into the starting lineup and thrived, averaging 23.3 points, 6.0 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He also nailed 47.4 percent of his 6.3 3-point attempts per game. The shot is still hard on the eyes but if it is going to fall that is what matters.

Bridges start came due to the injury P.J. Washington and he looked good, dropping 16 points and grabbing seven rebounds against the Philadelphia 76ers. Bridges has played well alongside Ball so finding more ways to make sure they are on the court together seems to be good for both.