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

Last Week: Beat Golden State Warriors 111-107, Lost to Sacramento Kings 116-111, Beat LA Clippers 119-115

This Week: 2/7 at Phoenix Suns, 2/9 at Utah Jazz, 2/11 vs. Toronto Raptors, 2/12 vs. Detroit Pistons

Other than dropping against the Sacramento Kings on the second night of a back to back, the Boston Celtics had a solid week. Beating the Golden State Warriors has turned into no easy task as the season has gone along. Beating the LA Clippers, one of the best teams in the league, is even better.

Jayson Tatum took center stage for the Boston Celtics this week, averaging 29.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. After dealing with a length COVID-related absence that took him some time to get back on track, he is again a problem for anyone who has to deal with him.

Kemba Walker is still no the player he was a year ago before suffering his knee injury. That player may simply not be coming back. That reality makes the return to form of Tatum all the more important. Jaylen Brown has played at an All-Star level this season but cooled off this week, coinciding with an outburst by Tatum.

The week ahead presents a test that will require them to both be great to overcome. Starting the week off against the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz will be daunting. But if the two young stars from Boston are both on, they can challenge anyone.