NBA Western Power Rankings Week 5: Thunder thrive, Grizzlies rise
By Tom West
Nov 27, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (center) greets teammates as they approach the bench against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 135-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
1st: Golden State Warriors (45 points)
By Tom West
Record: 19-0
Record last week: 3-0
The Warriors made everything look easy again last week. They started by defeating the Lakers on Monday night to set an NBA-record as the first team in history to start a season 16-0. From then on, they scored 135 points against the Suns, 120 against the Kings, and proceeded to actually be tested this Monday as they squeaked past the Jazz 106-103. As they managed to hold on and Stephen Curry made some clutch shots including a huge three with a minute left, they advanced to 19-0 to heighten the discussions of more history being made.
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Curry also showed us that he won’t slow down at all. He religiously practices shooting from all areas of the court and works on ball handling like it’s a fine art. Another year’s experience last season and a few months over the summer seems to have created what we’re seeing now, as his skill and confidence is simply off the charts. With a ridiculously high player efficiency rating of 34.5, 31.6 points per game on 51.2 percent shooting and a 44.5 percent three point stroke, he can’t be stopped. Whether he’s creating or catching and shooting, Curry keeps on cooking.
What’s scary for the rest of the NBA, though, is that Curry is just one part of how their undefeated, championship calibre squad has improved. Harrison Barnes has improved and rises in big moments, Andre Iguodala keeps doing a bit of everything, Festus Ezeli has been a strong defensive presence at center in an increased role, and Draymond Green has three triple doubles with vastly improved playmaking (7.1 assists per game) and shooting (40.3 percent from three). There are so many components to their stellar play at both ends of the floor, and that’s why they’re ahead of everyone else right now.
Next: NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers are making 'exploratory calls'
So, until the next episode, follow our usual content on the Clippers and enjoy what the NBA has to offer. The Philadelphia 76ers just won a game, so really anything can happen this week.