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LA Clippers Power Rankings: Floating near the top of the league

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: The Los Angeles Clippers huddle after introductions before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on February 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: The Los Angeles Clippers huddle after introductions before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on February 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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The LA Clippers got through last week without Paul George, going 3-0 to improve their record to 20-8. They even won Sunday night’s game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers with Kawhi Leonard also missing the contest.

Given that they played well, did they rise in this week’s power rankings across the web?

ESPN Power Rankings: LA Clippers #3

On ESPN, the Clippers stayed in the third spot, falling behind the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz. It’s impossible to argue against the Jazz taking the top spot but the Lakers did slip up on Sunday, falling to the Denver Nuggets.

That loss itself isn’t all that bad but considering they had to play in three straight overtime games, I don’t know if I agree about them still being over the Clippers this week. Either way, third isn’t a bad spot to be given the Clippers are missing George.

Bleacher Report Power Rankings: LA Clippers #6

The LA Clippers rose on Bleacher Report this week, going from the eighth spot to the sixth. The teams ahead of them in order are the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz.

BR notes that the team didn’t play any real competition this week which may be why they only jumped up two spots. This upcoming week will be different much more difficult though and as BR notes, the Clips will have to show they can win in the clutch.

"One issue the Clippers need to address is their play in clutch situations. With the game in the balance with three minutes left, Los Angeles has a net rating of minus-9.8. Their effective field goal percent drops from 56.9 percent to 38.6 percent in clutch moments."

CBS Sports Power Rankings: LA Clippers #2

CBS Sports gave the Clippers the biggest rise of the week, bumping them all the way up from number five to the second spot. CBS notes just how well Kawhi played in his two games this week:

"Leonard was brilliant in the two games he played, averaging 34.5 points on 50 percent 3-point shooting, so hopefully the leg contusion that kept him out Sunday doesn’t linger."

It hasn’t just been those two games, however. Leonard has been at an MVP level all season and should see his name pop up more in the award discussion as the season goes on. The leg contusion doesn’t seem bad and could have been a way to get him some rest prior to this tough week ahead.

NBA.com Power Rankings: LA Clippers #3

NBA.com has the Clippers also moving up in the rankings ever so slightly, going from fourth to third. They weirdly bring up that the team’s chemistry and continuity possibly being an issue, though. While it’s true that they have had three key guys miss multiple games (George, Leonard, and Patrick Beverley), there hasn’t seemed to be much of an issue in regards to chemistry especially when you watch this team compared to last season.

Regardless, NBA.com does note just how good Lou Williams has been during the time George has missed.

"“Over the last six games, Williams has averaged 21.7 points on a true shooting percentage of 66.3%, shooting much better from 2-point range, getting to the line for 32 total attempts, and making 29 of those 32.”"

This week's schedule is a litmus test for the LA Clippers. dark. Next

The LA Clippers have a big week ahead of them with a game against Miami followed by two in a row versus the Utah Jazz and then finally a rematch versus the Brooklyn Nets. We’ll be back here next week to see how those four games go and influence the rankings.