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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. 3-6. Previous: 22nd. Memphis Grizzlies. 26. team. 211

Last Week: Lost to Los Angeles Lakers 108-94, Lost to Los Angeles Lakers 94-92, Lost to Cleveland Cavaliers 94-90, Beat Brooklyn Nets 115-110

This Week: 1/11 at Cleveland Cavaliers, 1/13 at Minnesota Timberwolves, 1/15 at Minnesota Timberwolves, 1/16 vs. Philadelphia 76ers

It was tough to expect much more to start the week with two games against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. The Memphis Grizzlies kept the games mostly close but were not able to secure a win.

The Cleveland Cavaliers loss is still bizarre. The Cavs were without both Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. Instead, they started Isaac Okoro and Damyean Dotson and were able to sneak away with an ugly win. Memphis finished the week with a win against the equally shorthanded Brooklyn Nets.

The Grizzlies are impossible to take much from. They clearly have talent but they are all forced into roles they are not meant to have when they are missing guys like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson and Justice Winslow. Tyus Jones is a useful backup and has been fine. Dillon Brooks has started to come on (24 points against the Nets). De’Anthony Melton has a few highlights in each game that has fans dreaming of more.

Now the team just waits for health. Seeing what they have in the younger players that are available is fun for now. Desmond Bane is ready to contribute once this team starts pushing for the playoffs. Brandon Clarke has been inconsistent so far but was really solid against the Nets (21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks, one steal). The progress will be interesting to observe.