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NBA Power Rankings Week 9: The slide of the Los Angeles Lakers

By Corey Rausch

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center on February 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center on February 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Previous: 4th. Phoenix Suns. 4. team. 66. . 19-10

Last Week: Beat Orlando Magic 109-90, Lost to Brooklyn Nets 128-124, Beat New Orleans Pelicans 132-114, Beat Memphis Grizzlies 128-98

This Week: 2/22 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 2/24 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 2/26 at Chicago Bulls

The Phoenix Suns stay hot, winners of eight of their last nine games. The only loss came against the Brooklyn Nets in a close game where James Harden did just enough to beat them. Regardless of that one result, the Suns are etching their place at the top of the playoff picture.

Six Suns averaged double figures in scoring this week and a seventh (Dario Saric) came in at 9.8 points per game. Against the Memphis Grizzles, the Suns broke the team record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 24, just the latest example of an offense that is cooking anyone who suits up against them. The Suns have posted three consecutive games of 124 points, 132 points and 128 points.

The team effort starts with Chris Paul. He is the director of everything and is enabling Devin Booker to go off on teams while Paul controls the offense. Paul’s numbers are not far behind, having posted a line this week of 18.0 points, 10.3 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting a blistering 59.2 percent from the field and 61.9 percent from distance.

On a final note, it should be acknowledged how much better Frank Kaminsky has been than expected. Signed as the last player to make the team off of waivers, Kaminsky has acquitted himself well as a spot starter. Shooting 50.0 percent on 4.7 3-point attempts does not hurt either.