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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) /
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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers. 19. team. 34. . 15-10. Previous: 14th

Last Week: Beat Orlando Magic 106-97, Beat Philadelphia 76ers 118-114, Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 129-110

This Week: 2/14 at Dallas Mavericks, 2/16 at Oklahoma City Thunder, 2/17 at New Orleans Pelicans, 2/20 vs. Washington Wizards

It is becoming increasingly obvious that it may just not matter who is in the lineup for the Portland Trail Blazers as long as Damian Lillard is part of it. Even as his teammates get injured around him, a collection of their depth will step up in their stead and continue to carry the Blazers to more wins.

Most impressively from this week, the Blazers were facing the Philadelphia 76ers and got another win. Much was made about the upset of the Sixers before, but this time the Sixers were healthy and the Blazers still walked away victorious.

As impressive as Damian Lillard has been (28.7 points per game this week), Carmelo Anthony may actually be more astounding. Brought back this season to be part of their bench depth, the veteran has stepped up in the absence of his teammates and is thriving. This week, he posted a line of 23.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. That production has been essential to a team missing its second and third option on offense.

What the Blazers are doing this season is special. They have established themselves as a fixture in the Western Conference playoff picture for years because of their offense and their survivability. This year they have epitomized that. The Blazers are hanging tough in the standings. Before long, CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic will be back and these banked wins will go a long way.