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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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

Previous: 14th. Los Angeles Lakers. 2. team. 20. . 21-6

Last Week: Beat/OT Oklahoma City Thunder 119-112, Beat/OT Oklahoma City Thunder 114-113, Beat Memphis Grizzlies 115-105

This Week: 2/14 at Denver Nuggets, 2/16 at Minnesota Timberwolves, 2/18 vs. Brooklyn Nets, 2/20 vs. Miami Heat

The cynics in the crowd will look at three straight overtime games against the Detroit Pistons Oklahoma City Thunder (twice) and make the case that something is wrong with the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. The optimists will say the team that is on the shortest turn around for a title defense in NBA history is on a seven-game winning streak, tied for the current best in the league. The only reason why they have not retaken the top spot in their conference is that the team they are tied with for that streak has only lost one game in the past 19.

Those “struggles” are enough to have the Los Angeles Lakers flip with the Utah Jazz once again but that is not meant as any sort of criticism. That insane tear the Utah Jazz have been on is almost impossible to match, especially with Anthony Davis struggling to remain on the court as he has.

For the Lakers, the solace will have to be being the title favorite and continuing to build LeBron James’ MVP resume. James has taken the lead in that race as the halfway point of the season nears and weeks like this make the case quite clear: the former four-time MVP posted a line of 27.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. The award seems to be his to lose.