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NBA Power Rankings Week 3: A new number one has arrived

By Jack Simone

Nov 6, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) controls the ball against Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley (11) during the second half at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) controls the ball against Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley (11) during the second half at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after the ball goes out of bounds against the Charlotte Hornets (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Week 3 NBA power rankings: 4. Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors. 4. team. 41. . 7-1. Previous: 3rd

Last week: (2-0) – vs. CHA (W), vs. NOP (W)

Offensive rating: 109.2 (9th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 96.0 (1st in NBA)

The Golden State Warriors have the best defense in the NBA right now and it isn’t particularly close. Their defensive rating is 96.0 and the second-best defense has a rating of 100.1.

On top of that, Stephen Curry is nothing short of incredible. He led the league in scoring last year, finished top-three in MVP voting, and has now slowed down one bit.

They’re even getting some solid contributions from their supporting pieces. Players such as Damion Lee and Jordan Poole are playing huge roles for them.

All that being said, the Warriors haven’t played many playoff-caliber teams yet this year. They end up falling one spot in the power rankings this week.

Season outlook: Golden State’s ceiling will entirely depend on how good Klay Thompson looks upon his return. If he’s at full strength and playing well, this is a championship-caliber team. They took two years off, but the Warriors might just be back.