The LA Clippers continued their winning streak this week, bringing it up to seven games straight. As they prepare to start a six-game road trip this week, did power rankings across the web finally recognize them as the top team in the league?
ESPN Power Rankings: LA Clippers #2
ESPN still has the LA Clippers behind their shared stadium rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite being perfect on the week and having the tiebreaker against the Lakers in the actual standings, it seems the Lakers’ tougher schedule this week was the deciding factor. Still, ESPN notes that the Clips look great and aren’t even playing at their final form.
Bleacher Report Power Rankings: LA Clippers #1
After having the Clippers at only fourth last week, Bleacher Report finally rewards them with the top spot this week. BR notes that the Clippers are getting it done on both ends of the court during this win streak.
"They have been dominant during this streak with a 17.1-point differential. Their defense, which was off to a slow start, was outstanding last week with a defensive rating of 100.7."
Not too shabby.
CBS Sports Power Rankings: LA Clippers #2
CBS, like ESPN, has the LA Clippers sitting in the second spot. What they have different, however, is the top team. CBS has the Utah Jazz at number one and honestly, it’s hard to argue against that. Utah has an 8 game win streak and is literally the best three point shooting team of all time at this point. Sure, that will calm down but for now, it makes complete sense to have them at the top.
In fact, CBS even notes that the only reason they don’t have the Clippers at number one over the Jazz just comes down to their opponents.
"The only thing holding them back from the top spot is the quality of their wins (Kings and Thunder twice) compared to the Jazz, but the Clippers could have easily been No. 1 this week."
NBA.com Power Rankings: LA Clippers #2
The last site we’ll review, NBA.com, also has the LA Clippers at number two in their power rankings, behind the Lakers. NBA is really high on this group, especially the two stars and the rest of the starting lineup:
"Paul George finally cooled off (shooting just 4-for-13) on Sunday, but Kawhi Leonard has been equally good, averaging 29.1 points on an effective field goal percentage of 64% (plus 97% at the line) over the streak. He’s still not getting to the basket all that much, but he’s made the most of his excursions to the rim, making 29 straight shots in the restricted area (which is just ridiculous) before missing off a spin move in the fourth quarter on Sunday.Despite shooting 1-for-5 from 3-point range on Sunday, Nicolas Batum ranks sixth in effective field goal percentage among players with least 100 field goal attempts, up there with a few centers, Duncan Robinson and Joe Harris. In a back-and-forth battle, the Clips’ starters (+25.4) has the edge over the Lakers’ (+23.7) for the best point differential per 100 possessions among lineups that have played at least 100 minutes. Patrick Beverley did miss the second half on Sunday with a right knee issue."
Do you agree with the Clippers still mostly sitting in second place or would you have them as the number one team in the NBA right now? Let us know on Twitter or in the comments and check back here for all your coverage, analysis, and more as the Clips begin their long road trip.