NBA Week 10 Power Rankings: All-Star Snub Edition

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 24: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 24, 2021 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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team. 77. . 24-11. Previous: 3rd. Los Angeles Clippers. 4

Last Week: Lost to Brooklyn Nets 112-108, Beat Washington Wizards 135-116, Lost to Memphis Grizzlies 122-94, Beat Memphis Grizzlies 119-99

This Week: 2/28 at Milwaukee Bucks, 3/2 at Boston Celtics, 3/4 at Washington Wizards

The gap between the two stars that the top of the LA Clippers hierarchy and the rest of their roster was more noticeable in this 2-2 week than it has been in almost any over their run with the team. Kawhi Leonard played like an MVP, averaging 27.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Paul George, named an All-Star reserve this week, was not far behind at 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

The next closest, however, was Lou Williams at just 10.3 points per game. This level of inconsistency is what leaves skeptics lukewarm on the Clippers. Sometimes, dominance from the top players is enough to carry them past the opponents, like they did against the Washington Wizards. Sometimes it is not, like against the Brooklyn Nets.

Then there are nights against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first night of the back-to-back. Leonard and George combined for just 30 points on 26 shots. When Reggie Jackson and Serge Ibaka are needed to carry the consistency for the team, you know you are in trouble.

In fairness, the Clippers righted that wrong on Friday when they blew the Grizzlies off the court but that does not change the issues this roster is facing. Until the Clippers can figure out some sort of reliable unit beyond their All-Stars, their status as a contender is tenuous.