NBA Power Rankings 18: A new top team as the playoffs approach

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 23: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers walks in reverse to the bench during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 23, 2021 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images ) /

17 of 31

(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

30-30. Previous: 15th. Golden State Warriors. 15. team. 41.

Last Week: Beat Philadelphia 76ers 107-96, Lost to Washington Wizards 118-114, Beat Denver Nuggets 118-97

This Week: 4/25 vs. Sacramento Kings, 4/27 vs. Dallas Mavericks, 4/29 at Minnesota Timberwolves, 5/1 at Houston Rockets

This has been another week where Stephen Curry has shown the world that the Golden State Warriors will remain a threat to get into the playoffs as long as he is on the court. The rest of the team may struggle but Curry has officially taken the lead as the best scorer in the league this season and has the Warriors firmly in the mix.

Curry remains on a tear, averaging 33.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this week for a Warriors team that knocked off two of the best teams in the league this season. While an MVP award is likely out of reach given his place on a team just at .500, his dominance remains unquestionable.

Draymond Greens remains one of the weirdest statistical marvels of the era. Over the last week, he averaged 6.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 11.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game. The scoring is problematic on nights where the options behind Curry do not have it going but Green continues to set everyone up to be in a position to succeed.

The next week will be crucial. Three games against the bottom of the conference will give Curry easy opportunities to boost his lead on Bradley Beal for the scoring title (as will a tilt against the offense-only Dallas Mavericks) as well as a chance to firmly place themselves in the play-in.