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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. 4-5. Previous: 13th. New Orleans Pelicans. 24. team. 69

Last Week: Lost/OT to Indiana Pacers 118-116, Lost to Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110, Lost to Charlotte Hornets 118-110

This Week: 1/11 at Dallas Mavericks, 1/13 at LA Clippers, 1/15 at Los Angeles Lakers

Something is just wrong with this New Orleans Pelicans team. They are top-10 in defensive rating and bottom 10 in offensive rating. No matter what numbers you consider, however, it is the late-games woes that date back to last season that continue to haunt the Pelicans.

Zion Williamson continues to put up great numbers (21.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game) and the defense of the team has certainly covered up his deficiencies on that end. Brandon Ingram was something of a dud on Friday (3-of-11 from the field) but has been the offensive rudder all season.

It is the supporting cast that needs to step up. Some of this is to be expected for a young team (much as it was last season) but Eric Bledsoe is not young anymore. He has struggled for much of the season to get into a groove. Steven Adams has been fine but is mostly left to toss sneaky passes to open guys and rim run. JJ Reddick did not really break out until having 17 points against the Charlotte Hornets.

It is obviously still early and the defensive numbers are promising. Lonzo Ball has shown flashes of the player we saw last season which would be an improvement if he can do that more consistently. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is starting to earn minutes and should be someone to keep an eye on. Until they can formulate a cohesive offense, though, wins will be hard to come by.