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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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards

Last Week: Lost to Toronto Raptors 103-101, Beat Orlando Magic 131-116, Beat Golden State Warriors 110-107, Lost to Phoenix Suns 134-106

This Week: 4/12 at Utah Jazz, 4/14 at Sacramento Kings, 4/16 vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 4/17 vs. Detroit Pistons

Perennially in the running for the last seat outside of the playoff mix and the ninth pick in the draft, the Washington Wizards are doing what they can to break the hearts of their fans. Instead of committing to youth in what is clearly trending toward a rebuild, the Wizards are ready to go down swinging with veterans.

In fairness to the team, Russell Westbrook has been much better of late. The former MVP is averaging a triple-double again this season (21.6 points, 10.8 assists and 10.6 rebounds per game), which some would consider MVP worthy. He also leads the league in turnovers at 5.0 per game, but that has been mostly excused as his play has improved.

Since March 1, Westbrook is leading the league in assists at 12.3 per game. He is even shooting a better percentage from long range (34.7) than former teammate James Harden (25.6). Westbrook has helped his young teammates figure out the roles they are meant to play and is developing into a leader for the team.

For better or worse (it’s worse), the Wizards are bent on competing for the play-in tournament. That could be Scott Brooks trying to save his job but ultimately this season feels lost. It would seem the only man who can save it is Russell Westbrook.