NBA Power Rankings Week 8: The Phoenix Suns are rising

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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Last Week: Lost to Sacramento Kings 113-110, Beat Minnesota Timberwolves 119-112, Beat Chicago Bulls 125-106

This Week: 2/14 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 2/15 vs. Miami Heat, 2/17 vs. Utah Jazz, 2/19 vs. Utah Jazz

The LA Clippers let up a game against a red-hot Sacramento Kings team but that is understandable considering how shorthanded they were at the time of the game. They bounced back and took care of the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls. Paul George was out of the lineup the entire week and the Clippers still came with two wins.

In PG’s stead, one thing remained constant and the other was a much-needed return to normalcy. The constant is one the Clippers have always relied on. Kawhi Leonard has played like the MVP of the league. Over the last three games, he has averaged 29.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He is even starting to play in back to backs.

The return that was most needed was that of Lou Williams. The team had been too dependent on the play of Luke Kennard and Reggie Jackson for any sort of potential playoff success to be possible. Williams looked years younger this week, posting a line of 22.3 points, 4.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. His continued excellence will be essential going forward to determine the true test of this team’s destiny.