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NBA Power Rankings Week 19: April review and the rising Phoenix Suns

By Corey Rausch

Apr 13, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) and Devin Booker (1) against the Miami Heat in the second half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) and Devin Booker (1) against the Miami Heat in the second half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
(Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images) /

21. New Orleans Pelicans

Last Week: Beat LA Clippers 120-103, Lost to Denver Nuggets 114-112, Beat Oklahoma City Thunder 109-95, Beat/OT Minnesota Timberwolves 140-136

This Week: 5/3 vs. Golden State Warriors, 5/4 vs. Golden State Warriors, 5/7 at Philadelphia 76ers

The New Orleans Pelicans have effectively been eliminated from postseason contention, finishing their month three games out of the final play-in spot with just nine games remaining. Wasting such a masterful season from Zion Williamson is a bummer, but the future is what needs to be focused on now. With Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart set to become restricted free agents this summer, change could be coming quickly.

Hart appeared in only one game due to injury, which can easily be connected to the Pelicans inability to capitalize in close games in April. He brings a dynamic work ethic off the bench that is tough to match and the Pelicans missed it dearly. Ball contributed a solid 13.5 points, 6.6 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game on shooting splits of .399/.340/.857 while struggling through hip injuries.

Losing guys on the defensive end like Hart and Ball led to issues for the Pelicans, specifically in close games. They also stopped being a dynamic offense this month, dropping all the way down to 28th in the league in offensive rating. While their defensive ranking surprisingly rose (108.6), they were not able to hold the fort down the stretch and continued to blow double-digit leads. Maybe change is more needed than they realize.