Hoops Habit
Fansided

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. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
24 of 31
Next
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Milwaukee Bucks

Last Week: Lost to Golden State Warriors, Lost to Dallas Mavericks 116-101, Lost to Charlotte Hornets 127-119

This Week: 4/11 at Orlando Magic, 4/14 at Minnesota Timberwolves, 4/15 at Atlanta Hawks, 4/17 vs. Memphis Grizzlies

It is impossible to take much from this week for the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo has not played in more than a week. Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday have also missed time. When you are missing that much talent, losses will pile up.

As far as x-factors go, Holiday has been that for the Bucks this season and will be when the postseason arrives. For the Bucks, he has been arguably their second-best player so far this year and is averaging a solid 17.2 points, 5.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.

Much has been made about the lack of a playmaker in a playoff setting for the Bucks but that will not be a problem this season. Holiday brings that to the court in a way that the Bucks have missed for years. He is also a defensive menace, fitting right in with the Bucks mentality.

Finally, the contract extension Holiday was given last Sunday was one of the biggest talking points in the league. After showing just how well he has fit in with the Bucks, Holiday was awarded a four-year extension worth up to $160 million. This may seem pricey, but it was a matter of when he would get this deal after the treasure trove the Bucks sent to the New Orleans Pelicans to bring him in, not if.