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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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

30. Houston Rockets

Last Week: Lost to Minnesota Timberwolves 114-107, Beat Milwaukee Bucks 143-136, Lost to Golden State Warriors 113-87

This Week: 5/2 vs. New York Knicks, 5/5 vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 5/7 at Milwaukee Bucks, 5/8 at Utah Jazz

Simply speaking, not much went well for the Houston Rockets on the court in April. They were tied for the second-worst mark in the league at 3-13 and have sunk to the bottom of the standings. John Wall was shut down for the rest of the season, theoretically opening the door for the young guys to see what they can do in the way of playmaking while saving Wall’s body for the future.

Well, that bet paid off on Thursday night against the Milwaukee Bucks in Houston’s last game of the month. Kevin Porter Jr. went off for 50 points, 11 assists and five rebounds, hitting nine 3-point shots and pacing the Rockets to a win over the Bucks.

Porter is finally finding his footing after a mismatched start to his career. The talent has never been in doubt. Coming out of high school he was considered an elite prospect, a likely lottery pick. Trouble off the court derailed him there, leading to him almost falling out of the first round of the draft. Maturity issues led to the fracture in the relationships with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, it seems to have worked out perfectly for the Rockets, who are giving him the chance to shine.