OKC Thunder: National and TI editor power rankings week 8 – hot takes in top tier
18-9. Previous: 5th. Golden State Warriors. 5. team. 41.
This ranking is more reflective of how the Warriors have played versus expectations. That said, with both Stephen Curry and Draymond Green back logic dictates I’ll be moving them up in the very near future.
Granted, I have the benefit of knowing the Warriors lost (badly) to the Raptors in week nine as I edit my previous notes prior to posting. Many are stating it’s not a big deal Golden State lost or how Toronto beat them by 20 points, without Kawhi Leonard (or Jonas Valanciunas for the second half thanks to a Draymond swat) and on the second night of a back to back.
Kevin Durant cited the Raptors arrival while Steph Curry downplayed the loss. Curry hinted at the Raptors not being able to deliver when the lights were brightest.
My thinking is both K.D. and Curry have valid points, but the one point everyone is missing — if this is a finals matchup the Warriors just fed the Raptors confidence in their belief they can beat them. Not exactly something a championship team should be comfortable with.
The most concerning part of the equation isn’t that the Raptors won, it’s how they won and more importantly HOW the Warriors lost. Toronto who is still integrating a new coach’s style and three new players has a cohesion missing on the champs squad. With news DeMarcus Cousins will begin to play with the Warriors G-League affiliate, I just wonder how the chemistry will work once he’s ready to integrate.
Golden State Warriors:
Offensive Rating: 1st (Steph returns and in that one week their back in first after ranking 3rd)
Defensive Rating: 18th
Net Differential: 6th
Points per game: 116.4 (3rd)
Offensive field goal efficiency: 49.5 percent (1st)
Opponent points per game: 110.7 (tied 17th)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 44.8 percent (12th)
Record: First in WC (18-9)
Home: 11-2
Road: 7-7
Back to back sets: 5
Versus the West: 8-6
Versus the East: 10-3
Week eight 3-0: Wins vs @ Hawks, @ Cavaliers, @ Bucks
On tap for week 9: Timberwolves, Raptors @Kings