NBA Power Rankings Week 16: Rise of the Phoenix Suns

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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Minnesota Timberwolves

Last Week: Beat Sacramento Kings 116-106, Lost to Indiana Pacers 141-137, Lost/OT to Boston Celtics 145-136

This Week: 4/11 vs. Chicago Bulls, 4/12 vs. Brooklyn Nets, 4/14 vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 4/16 vs. Miami Heat

D’Angelo Russell is finally back and will be the player Minnesota Timberwolves fans should keep their eyes on. Karl-Anthony Towns has proven his place in the franchise and has started to form nice chemistry with number one overall pick Anthony Edwards. Edwards is a walking highlight who is getting better every day. So where does this leave Russell?

Since Russell’s return, three Timberwolves are averaging more than 20 points per game: Towns (28.3), Edwards (23.3) and Russell (22.7). They have only won two of their three games but losses were by four points and in overtime. If the trio (quartet when Malik Beasley is back) can click, then the Timberwolves’ future becomes much clearer.

Russell needs to make this work. He is on his fourth team and is one of the more polarizing players in the league. He is a good playmaker and sharpshooter. Towns and Russell have wanted to play together for years and so far have played eight games together. The fit of the roster is weird, but if they can make it work there is the foundation for a special offense here. The defense needs some work but the progress on the floor (if not in the standings) that Minnesota has made since Chris Finch took over is clear.