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NBA Power Rankings Week 19: Celtics surge, Warriors falter

By Jack Simone

Dec 17, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) after their game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) after their game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Power Rankings Week 19: Celtics surge, Warriors falter
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass around John Konchar #46 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 27, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 114-113. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 3. Miami Heat

Record: 38-21

The Miami Heat have stuck around toward the top of the standings all year long, yet they rarely come up when it comes to title contention. Well right now, the Heat should be favorites to make it out of the East. No matter who they have on the floor they are usually able to stay in any game they find themselves in. But obviously, they are at their best when Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kyle Lowry are on the floor.

Miami’s depth is some of the best in the league. They’ve made a living by plucking guys off the scrap heap and turning them into quality rotation players – Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, Caleb Martin, Gabe Vincent, Omer Yurtseven, Kyle Guy, etc. It’s absolutely ridiculous what they have been able to do this season. Miami plays with the ferocity of three whole teams. Don’t sleep on the Heat.

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 2. Memphis Grizzlies

Record: 41-19

Seemingly out of nowhere, the Memphis Grizzlies have emerged as one of the best teams in the NBA. They play great team basketball, but Ja Morant has been the one leading the charge. He should be getting serious MVP votes this year with how dominant he’s been. Morant’s ability to get to the rim and make plays is a big reason why the Grizzlies have been so good, and the cast around him is picture-perfect.

Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Ziaire Williams are all young, up-and-coming players who have helped Morant build this young Grizzlies squad up. A lot of people thought they would be good, but no one anticipated that they would be this good, this fast. The Grizzlies are the perfect mix of hungry and talented. They are going to be a tough, tough out come playoff time.

Week 19 NBA Power Rankings: 1. Phoenix Suns

Record: 48-10

The Phoenix Suns have been the best team in the league this season by far. The Warriors stuck around for a while, but the Suns have since separated themselves from the pack. Phoenix was great last year and they made it to the NBA Finals, where they fell just short. But now, they’ve managed to get even better.

That being said, it will be interesting to see how they deal with the Chris Paul injury. He’s expected to miss 6-8 weeks, which could end up sidelining him for the rest of the regular season. But with Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton ready to cover for him, the Suns shouldn’t fall too far in the standings, especially with the lead they’ve built. Right now, Phoenix should be the frontrunner to win it all.

Next. NBA MVP Ladder. dark