OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings -Griffin buyout shifts ladder at half way mark

Golden State Warriors:

Week 11: 0-2
Lost to: Blazers 106-107, Suns 98-120

Week 12 opponents: @Clippers, Jazz

Offense: (109.2) 22nd
Defense: (108.8) 6th
Net: (Plus +0.4) 13th

Stephen Curry made the 3-point shot fun and his display at the All-Star game and 3-point shootout reminded many of his rare talents.

Although the Dubs entered the break on a three-game losing streak prior to those games they had strung together seven wins in ten games. Their first-half schedule was among the toughest and they’ll benefit to finish the season.

They play fewer games than most clubs (35) and have a rest advantage on six occasions with only four games where the opponent has a rest advantage. Golden State performs well at home which could become a major factor at season end when they’ll play the final six games at the Chase Center.

While the Warriors are still developing chemistry with their revamped roster there are signs this iteration is morphing into a similar capability of those title clubs. Without Klay Thompson, it’s unlikely they’ll match that threshold. That said, the sixth-ranked defense and top-ranked assist percentage resemble the Dubs of old.

Only 14 of their 35 games are against currently seeded playoff teams, however, three of those matches occur out of the gate as they face the Clippers, Jazz, and Lakers in succession.

Then in early and mid-April, they’ll play three of four games versus playoff seeds. How they navigate those nine games will determine their seeding. OKC Thunder fans should be actively pulling for Warriors success and a top 10 finish. That would equate to the Dub’s first-round pick being conveyed to the Thunder.