NBA Western Power Rankings Week 3: Warriors storm ahead
By Tom West
Nov 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after the Warriors force a turnover against the Brooklyn Nets in overtime at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nets 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
1st: Golden State Warriors (60 points)
By Tom West
Record: 12-0
Record last week: 4-0
What a surprise: Stephen Curry and Co. are first again by unanimous vote. It’s approaching that stage where the words to describe the Warriors’ start run out. They had another undefeated week to extend their perfect start, and they’ve simply looked in championship form at both ends of the court already. Add Curry’s unbelievably hot scoring binge, and there’s simply been no way for anyone to stop them so far.
The reigning MVP has been playing with as much creative flair as always. His combination of handles to weave through defenders and deadeye shooting from anywhere on the floor has made him almost impossible to stop. Teams just have to hope he isn’t feeling it right now if they want to contain him. As the NBA’s leading scorer with 33.7 points per game on 52.1 percent shooting (and 45.6 percent from three), with a league-best player efficiency rating of 34.9 as well, he’s been the Warriors’ clear driving force.
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But there is far more to their success.
Their defense can smother anyone, whether they’re using a traditional or small ball lineup. When they cause the offense of opponent’s to crumble, they quickly counter with their up-tempo scoring and precise ball movement to earn the best offensive rating (110.6) in the NBA. As a result, they rank 1st in assists per game (29.6), three point percentage (40.1), points per game (114.2), 4th in defensive efficiency (95.1) and even 4th in pace (102.7 possessions a game). Being so strong in so many facets of the game has made them too well-rounded for anyone to stop.
Besides a freak scare in a game that went to overtime against the Brooklyn Nets, it doesn’t look like anyone is defeating the Warriors yet.