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NBA Power Rankings: The Raptors are standing on top

By Ian Levy

TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 29 - Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) and Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) laugh during warm-ups as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 131-128 in overtime in Toronto. November 29, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 29 - Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) and Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) laugh during warm-ups as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 131-128 in overtime in Toronto. November 29, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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BROOKLYN, NY – NOVEMBER 30: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #24 of the Brooklyn Nets and Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies fight for position during the game on November 30, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – NOVEMBER 30: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #24 of the Brooklyn Nets and Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies fight for position during the game on November 30, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

. 13-9. Previous: 9th. Memphis Grizzlies. 15. team. 211

The Grizzlies had a tough week, dropping two of their three games and sliding a bit down these rankings. But it was all worth it for a chance to watch Jaren Jackson Jr. continue his ascent to stardom. The rookie big is averaging 16.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.3 blocks per game over his last 10, shooting 59.3 percent from the field and 51.9 percent on 3-pointers. After a rough shooting start to the season, his jumper has finally kicked in and he’s looking increasingly unstoppable.

His defense has been particularly impressive as a rookie and he’s already in the top-10 in defensive field goal percentage on shots within six feet of the basket, among players who defend at least five such shots per game. But his defense in space and switchability is at least as impressive. For example, he’s defended Ben Simmons for 41 possessions already this season, helping hold the 76ers to just 41 points. He’s spent 40 possessions on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and 31 on Paul Millsap. He’s still just beginning his NBA career and already looks like an incredible two-way future star.

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