NBA Power Rankings Week 17: A new number one and a lot of injuries

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 14: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on April 14, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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77. . 39-19. Previous: 5th. Los Angeles Clippers. 4. team

Last Week: Beat Detroit Pistons 131-124, Beat Indiana Pacers 126-115, Beat Detroit Pistons 100-98, Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 106-103

This Week: 4/18 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 4/20 at Portland Trail Blazers, 4/21 vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 4/23 at Houston Rockets

As much as it is plenty of fun to make jokes at the LA Clippers’ expense, the team has been rolling of late, especially impressive given the current absence of Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers have won seven of their last 10 games and that is in large part due to their revamped depth, stunning to everyone paying attention.

Reggie Jackson, Nicolas Batum and Marcus Morris Sr. each attempted at least four 3-point attempts per game this week and shot over 41 percent. Even Rajon Rondo hit 40.0 percent from long range, albeit on 2.5 attempts per game.

Rondo deserves the focus here, as he has been significantly better than he was at any point in Atlanta this season. Having the guard rotation of Rondo, Jackson, Kennard and Terance Mann is a level of stability the Clippers have been searching for.

It can not be ignored how good Paul George was in the absence of Leonard. This week, he averaged 35.0 points, 7.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game on shooting splits of .494/.375/.900. He will always get the jokes until he comes through in the playoffs, but the numbers are impressive. This further proves, as always, the best Paul George is the non-trash talking, walking bucket version.