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

By Corey Rausch

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)
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 Mike Ehrmann/)
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/) /

27. team. 81. . 2-6. Previous: 26th. Toronto Raptors

Last Week: Lost to Boston Celtics 126-114, Lost to Phoenix Suns 123-115, Beat Sacramento Kings 144-123

This Week: 1/10 at Golden State Warriors, 1/11 at Portland Trail Blazers, 1/14 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 1/16 vs. Charlotte Hornets

Before their get-right victory against the Sacramento Kings, the Toronto Raptors were the last team in the league to get a second win by a few hours. The Raptors set the franchise record in points with 144 and finally looked like the team from last season. The Kings tend to have that effect on opponents over the years.

The Raptors need to hope this is a harbinger of things to come. Pascal Siakam seems to be getting back on track, averaging 23.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per game on shooting splits of .532/.364/.739 through the week. Fred VanVleet was stellar this week and looks like he could be gunning for his first All-Star appearance. His 34 points against the Kings made up for the absence of his backcourt mate, as Kyle Lowry only played in two games this week.

Toronto’s bench is starting to figure itself out too. Three of the reserves averaged double figures in scoring over the week and it will be essential for this to continue given the step back in team defense after the departure of last season’s center rotation. Toronto finished second in defensive rating last season and is in the bottom third of the league so far this year. They will need the offense to continue to flourish to have any chance from game to game.