Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Power Rankings Week 8: The Phoenix Suns are rising

By Corey Rausch

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 31: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz drives into Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 31, 2020 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 - DECEMBER 31: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz drives into Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 31, 2020 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
12 of 31
Next
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

. 12-14. Previous: 18th. Toronto Raptors. 20. team. 81

Last Week: Beat Memphis Grizzlies 128-113, Beat Washington Wizards 137-115, Lost to Boston Celtics 120-106

This Week: 2/14 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 2/16 at Milwaukee Bucks, 2/18 at Milwaukee Bucks, 2/19 at Minnesota Timberwolves

The Toronto Raptors played just three games this week and were able to snag two wins against teams on the outside of the playoff picture looking in and then got caught on the second night of a back-to-back. Suddenly, Toronto finds itself back in the playoff picture after struggles at the beginning of the season seems to have passed.

Part of this resurgence is a more balanced offensive attack making life easier on Pascal Siakam. The former All-Star struggled in the postseason last year and early this season as the primary option on offense. Over the last few weeks, the burden has been more widespread and everyone involved has prospered.

Just looking at the past week, Siakam is still the top scorer on the team (27.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game) but does not feel the pressure of trying to take care of everything. Pascal Siakam has the highest usage rate on the team (24.8 percent) but he is one of six players over 20.2. Since Feb. 7, five Raptors have averaged in double figures. Chris Boucher has transitioned to a more sustainable role and Norman Powell and Fred VanVleet have started to pop off more often. Things are looking up for the team sequestered in Tampa for the rest of the season.