NBA Power Rankings Week 15: The Denver Nuggets excel in March

Mar 30, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) reacts with center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Facundo Campazzo (7) during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

29 of 31

NBA, Denver Nuggets (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

. 34-14. Previous: 5th. Phoenix Suns. 3. team. 66

Last Week: Beat/OT Charlotte Hornets 101-97, Beat Atlanta Hawks 117-110, Beat Chicago Bulls 121-116, Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 140-103

This Week: 4/5 at Houston Rockets, 4/7 vs. Utah Jazz, 4/8 at LA Clippers, 4/10 vs. Washington Wizards

Winners of five games in a row, the only thing keeping the Phoenix Suns from climbing the rankings is the insistence of the top two teams to never lose either. The gap at the top of the Western Conference standings only seems to grow no matter what the Suns do.

For them, though, that is just fine. Many predicted that the Suns would make the postseason this year after an impressive bubble run and an even better offseason. However, it was impossible to imagine them being one of the top three records this late in the season. Their dominance on both ends of the court has been startling. So far this season they are seventh in offensive rating and fifth in defensive rating, the marks of a true title contender.

Devin Booker remains the statistical story for the Phoenix Suns. Over the last month, he averaged 25.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The next best scorer on the Suns was Deandre Ayton (15.0 per game). Phoenix will need to be tested in the playoffs but luckily have the veteran presences of Chris Paul and Jae Crowder to help ease the tension for the young core. If this level of play continues through the rest of the season the Suns may end up with homecourt for much of the run.

Home/Denver Nuggets