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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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

13. Boston Celtics

Last Week: Lost to Charlotte Hornets 125-104, Lost to Oklahoma City Thunder 119-115, Beat Charlotte Hornets 120-111, Beat/OT San Antonio Spurs 143-140

This Week: 5/2 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 5/5 at Orlando Magic, 5/7 at Chicago Bulls

It is safe at this point to say that the Boston Celtics are not good but Jayson Tatum is fully back to being good. He was the fourth-leading scorer in the league in April (29.7 points per game), highlighted his 60-point outburst against the San Antonio Spurs to end the month, bringing the Celtics back from down 32 to earn a much-needed victory. Jaylen Brown was similarly impressive this month, averaging 25.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

The amount the team has needed to rely on Tatum and Brown is certainly troubling. The lack of depth beyond first and second-year players was supposed to be rectified by the trade for Evan Fournier but that has also not worked out. Issues had to be expected when relying on so many inexperienced individuals and yet here we are.

For the young players, Aaron Nesmith has slowly started looking better. The efficiency is strong (.538/.409/.667) if misleading because of the small number of attempts but he is making himself useful in other ways. He is a solid team defender and makes his presence felt on the offensive glass. While this is minimal, anything is an upgrade over the player who looked lost earlier in the season. Just another reminded to not give up on rookies after just a month or two.