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NBA Power Rankings Week 16: Rise of the Phoenix Suns

By Corey Rausch

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /
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(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

Memphis Grizzlies

Last Week: Beat Philadelphia 76ers 116-100, Beat Miami Heat 124-112, Beat Atlanta Hawks 131-113, Lost/OT to New York Knicks 133-129

This Week: 4/11 vs. Indiana Pacers, 4/12 vs. Chicago Bulls, 4/14 vs. Dallas Mavericks, 4/16 at Chicago Bulls, 4/17 at Milwaukee Bucks

In what may be the most unheralded of x-factors, the Memphis Grizzlies have been carried to an extent by the continued professionalism and low post dominance of Jonas Valanciunas. The Grizzlies are staying steady despite the continued absence of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant having a just okay season. Night in and night out, Valanciunas is effective at keeping the team going.

Valanciunas is currently fourth in the league in rebounding (12.5 per game) and third in offense rebounding (4.1). He is also averaging 16.4 points and 1.8 assists per game. He is simple and effective. For a team loaded with young talent competing for a playoff spot, he is one of the few consistent contributors who efficiently does the same thing every night.

He is not flashy. For the flair of the team, fans can look to De’Anthony Melton and Ja Morant. For shooters, check out Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks. Valanciunas just does the dirty work and keeps the team in games. He is the kind of guy who would have fit into a past era of Memphis Grizzlies basketball, which is the quickest way to become a fan favorite. Fans are crossing their fingers that he will be an essential part of what looks to be a playoff team this season.