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After upsetting the Memphis Grizzlies and snapping the Utah Jazz's four-game winning streak last week, the Phoenix Suns are rising in SB Nation's latest NBA Power Rankings as compiled by Seth Rosenthal. The Suns are up four spots from last week's rankings to No. 23 in this week's poll.
The win over Memphis was huge for the Suns in more ways than one. Not only did it snap a seven-game losing streak, but it was a very strong defensive effort by a team that has struggled defensively all season, allowing 101.3 points per game (27th in the NBA).
The Suns (9-15) followed the win over the Grizzlies with another strong defensive showing, downing the Utah Jazz, 99-84. Rosenthal noted that he was ready to write the Suns off as being "fully resigned to sucking", but was impressed by the two big wins, especially because they were "defensive wins."
The Suns will try to keep their positive momentum rolling as they take on the Sacramento Kings on Monday night at US Airways Center. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. MT.