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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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

team. 149. . 4-4. Previous: 23rd. Oklahoma City Thunder. 23

Last Week: Lost to Miami Heat 118-90, Beat New Orleans Pelicans 111-110, Beat New York Knicks 101-89

This Week: 1/10 at Brooklyn Nets, 1/12 vs. San Antonio Spurs, 1/13 vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 1/15 vs. Chicago Bulls

Widely expected to be the worst team in the league this season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are a thorn in the side of any team that plays them. A different young guy is ready to step up and show that he belongs seemingly every game.

Against the New Orleans Pelicans, it was Darius Bazley (20 points, 12 rebounds) who paced the team early and helped them secure the close win in the end. Against the New York Knicks, it was a combination of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists) and Hamidou Diallo (23 points, 11 rebounds) who each posted a double-double and propelled the team to an upset victory over the red hot Knicks.

Lu Dort has cooled off after a blazing start but is still blazing 41.0 percent on 4.9 3-pointers per game. Combine this with his known defensive prowess and he is a real piece of their future. The constant is SGA and he has been pretty great through the first three weeks.

This team still has moves to make as it seems hard to believe Al Horford and George Hill both finish the season on a team playing more for ping pong balls than playoff seeding. Either way, this team has exhibited the next man up mentality that will keep them competitive throughout the year.