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The NBA's Sixth Man of the Year race is gaining momentum with a number of players who have thrived off the bench this year.
In the Eastern Conference, the Brooklyn Nets (23-10) have cemented themselves as one of the top contenders, while the Milwaukee Bucks (24-13), Chicago Bulls (22-10) and Miami Heat (22-13) are hot on their trail.
The Western Conference continues to feature sensational play from the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, who lead the NBA with identical 27-7 records. Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz (25-9) and Memphis Grizzlies (22-14) have also separated themselves in the West.
There's also been plenty of surprising individual performers throughout the year, especially players who have contributed off the bench. With another week passing by in the season, it's time to take a look at the updated Sixth Man of the Year power rankings by Sportskeeda.
No. 5: Jordan Clarkson
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #5
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 3; Games lost - 0
Overall: Games played - 34; Games won - 25; Games lost - 9
Last Week: PPG - 9.3, APG - 4.0, RPG - 5.3
Overall: PPG - 14.8, APG - 2.4, RPG - 3.6
Last Week: FG% - 32.3%, 3P% - 38.9%, FT% - 50.0%
Overall: FG% - 38.5%, 3P% - 30.5%, FT% - 81.0%
The Utah Jazz have continued to be consistently impressive and find themselves third in the West. Veteran guard Jordan Clarkson continues to find himself in the mix for the Sixth Man of the Year award, even though his shooting percentages have been down lately.
Clarkson has built a reputation around the league as a microwave scorer, and he's yet to have a strong stretch of performances this year. It could only be a matter of time before he starts to find his touch from the outside again. When he does, he could start to become a serious force for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Clarkson is averaging 14.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game while shooting 38.5%.
No. 4: Montrezl Harrell
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #3
Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 1; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 33; Games won - 17; Games lost - 16
Last Week: PPG - 15.0, APG - 2.5, RPG - 4.0
Overall: PPG - 14.5, APG - 2.2, RPG - 7.3
Last Week: FG% - 71.4%, 3P% - 0.0%, FT% - 90.0%
Overall: FG% - 64.5%, 3P% - 30.0%, FT% - 74.2%
After being one of the pleasant surprises early on, the Washington Wizards (18-17) have cooled. Washington started 10-3 but has gone 8-14 since. Throughout the year, veteran forward Montrezl Harrell has impressed with his contributions off the bench. Harrell has always been known for his ability to play with great energy, and he's been a crucial part of the Wizards' success this year.
After starting out with impressive numbers, Harrell has seen his production come back down to earth a bit. But he's still right in the mix for the Sixth Man of the Year award. In his last week, Harrell averaged 15.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 71.4%. After finding himself in the top three of the power rankings for a number of consecutive weeks, Harrell slid down one spot to fourth.
No. 3: Jalen Brunson
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #4
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 33; Games won - 16; Games lost - 17
Last Week: PPG - 24.7, APG - 6.7, RPG - 2.7
Overall: PPG - 16.1, APG - 5.5, RPG - 3.8
Last Week: FG% - 46.6%, 3P% - 38.9%, FT% - 68.4%
Overall: FG% - 49.5%, 3P% - 33.9%, FT% - 77.0%
Although the Dallas Mavericks have lost five of their past seven games in the last two weeks, veteran guard Jalen Brunson has been sensational lately. Dallas has been without Luka Doncic for the last nine games. His absence has left Brunson to carry the load offensively. The crafty guard has shined in his extended role and has climbed to third in the power rankings.
Often viewed as one of the more underrated bench assets in the NBA, Brunson has stood out lately. In his last week, he went averaged 24.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 46.6%. Brunson continues to look like someone who will be in the mix for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
No. 2: Kelly Oubre Jr.
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #2
Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 1; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 36; Games won - 19; Games lost - 17
Last Week: PPG - 14.0, APG - 1.0, RPG - 3.5
Overall: PPG - 16.4, APG - 1.3, RPG - 3.9
Last Week: FG% - 37.5%, 3P% - 35.3%, FT% - 100.0%
Overall: FG% - 45.2%, 3P% - 36.6%, FT% - 65.5%
The Charlotte Hornets (19-17), who are seventh in the Eastern Conference, have won three consecutive games. One of the more pleasant surprises lately has been the play of veteran wing Kelly Oubre Jr. Known for his ability to light up the scoring column in a hurry, Oubre has become a serious candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
"Wave Papi" has been a big addition off the bench, providing an important rotation asset with his offensive ability. In his last week, Oubre averaged 14.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 37.5%. Although it wasn't his strongest week compared to previous stretches, Oubre has become a name to watch for the award.
No. 1: Tyler Herro
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #1
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 3; Games lost - 0
Overall: Games played - 29; Games won - 18; Games lost - 11
Last Week: PPG - 19.0, APG - 5.7, RPG - 2.3
Overall: PPG - 20.6, APG - 3.9, RPG - 5.0
Last Week: FG% - 46.5%, 3P% - 57.1%, FT% - 81.8%
Overall: FG% - 44.4%, 3P% - 40.8%, FT% - 86.3%
The Miami Heat have started to catch fire again and Tyler Herro continues to look like a favorite in the Sixth Man of the Year race. Miami has had to deal with a number of injuries to key players like Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and P.J. Tucker. Herro has had to carry the load offensively, and he has continued to be one of Miami's most important pieces.
Herro bounced back after an inefficient previous week. In his last week, the lethal scoring option averaged 19.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 46.5%, including an impressive 57.1% from 3-point range. As long as Miami continues to pick up wins and Herro stays at this level, he's going to be tough to catch for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
