NBA Power Rankings: LA Clippers Are Real, And They’re Spectacular

November 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) celebrates with forward Blake Griffin (32) after scoring a basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) celebrates with forward Blake Griffin (32) after scoring a basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 20, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) shoots the basketball seemingly tying the basketball game against Sacramento Kings forward Matt Barnes (22), but the shot is ruled after time had expired during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Kings won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) shoots the basketball seemingly tying the basketball game against Sacramento Kings forward Matt Barnes (22), but the shot is ruled after time had expired during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Kings won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Raptors are good. Let’s not get that twisted. We knew this coming in, and they’ve confirmed that through the first few weeks of the season.

The question now, however, is whether or not they have another level – in comparison to last season. Toronto made it all the way to the Conference Finals a year ago. Do they have a higher ceiling than that?

I don’t think we can conclude that yet. However, if it’s any indication, DeMar DeRozan has gotten off to an insanely hot start.