NBA Power Rankings Week 8: The Phoenix Suns are rising

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 31: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz drives into Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 31, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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team. 41. . 14-13. Previous: 10th. Golden State Warriors. 11

Last Week: Lost to San Antonio Spurs 105-108, Beat San Antonio Spurs 114-91, Beat Orlando Magic 111-105, Lost to Brooklyn Nets 134-117

This Week: 2/15 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 2/17 vs. Miami Heat, 2/19 at Orlando Magic, 2/20 at Charlotte Hornets

When Draymond Green went down clutching his knee after appearing to make no contact with a Brooklyn Net, the Golden State Warriors had to be holding their breath. The Warriors are already shorthanded, so seeing Green come out to start the second half and play the rest of the game had to be the only reassuring thing to take away from a 17-point loss.

Only three Warriors averaged double figures in scoring this week (despite seven scoring that much against the San Antonio Spurs in their second meeting this week), led as always by Stephen Curry. The former MVP averaged 32.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game this week with scorching splits of .563/.449/.905. While Kevon Looney and James Wiseman remain out, Curry is carrying the load for everyone on the team. Anyone who questioned whether he was still a potential MVP coming into this season looks sillier by the game.

Kelly Oubre Jr. (17.5 points per game) and Andrew Wiggins (15.8 points per game) were the only other Warriors to score at a consistent level this week. Juan Toscano-Anderson made his name to an extent, but that was mostly attributed to him introducing himself on Twitter and his teammates embracing his personality publicly. Once healthy, the Warriors will start getting attention for more of the traditional reasons.