NBA Power Rankings Week 3: Are the Golden State Warriors back?

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by teammates after he made a three-point basket against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on January 04, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Week three of the NBA season has seen some great games. But it also saw outbreaks and civil unrest. How did that change the rankings?

The pandemic is continuing to run roughshod through the league and we are starting to see multiple teams have to consider if they should forfeit games or go in with a skeleton of the roster they usually would field. Combine that with the disgusting domestic terrorist attack that happened at the Capitol on Wednesday and basketball suddenly feels much less important.

Players and coaches have been outspoken about how they have felt with regards to everything going on and they deserve to be heard. If this is the reason someone like Kyrie Irving needs time away from the game, that should be accepted as well. These players are not robots. They are experiencing many of the same things affecting everyone today while also having to travel multiple times a week, leaving their families behind.

light. Related Story. NBA Power Rankings Week 2

The depletion of rosters has made following the league even more confusing. From night to night it is impossible to know who will be available on the court and for how much of the game they will be able to play.

Look at the Philadelphia 76ers, who teased the possibility of starting Dwight Howard at point guard on Saturday. This is the greatest league in the world but even they are pushing the limits of that greatness. Now I will step down from my soapbox about all the things the players should be able to talk about and get into week three of the NBA Power Rankings.