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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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

7. LA Clippers

Last Week: Lost to New Orleans Pelicans 120-103, Lost to Phoenix Suns 109-101, Lost to Denver Nuggets 110-104

This Week: 5/4 vs. Toronto Raptors, 5/6 vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Despite ending the month with two losses, April was a solid month for the LA Clippers. They were winners of 11 of their first 13 games and had pulled closer than ever before to the top seed in the west. Their two final losses, including losing the season series to the Phoenix Suns, likely knocks that out of the realm of possibility.

The Clippers are starting to overflow with depth, adding DeMarcus Cousins and Yogi Ferrell into the fold this month. While the Brooklyn Nets were criticized for adding piece after piece, the fits with the Clippers actually make more sense. Cousins has deteriorated since his injuries but he provides a nice “break glass in case of emergency” option in case there are continued injury concerns around Serge Ibaka. Ferrell is another playmaking option, the likes of which the Clippers cannot have enough of.

With Kawhi Leonard limited to just six games in April, Paul George stepped up in a big way, averaging 27.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game on shooting splits of .481/.411/.891. If he can stay on this track, the Playoff P jokes may finally dissipate. He is peaking at a great time for the Clippers, just in time for Kawhi Leonard to ramp up after returning.