In this week’s installment of our NBA Power Rankings, we explore whether the Golden State Warriors are destined for failure in the playoffs
For the past two seasons, the Golden State Warriors have been one of the most dominant forces in recent NBA history. And depending on who you ask, they might be the best collection of talent on any given team – ever.
However, this season hasn’t exactly been all candy and gumdrops. In fact, the Warriors are just an average team on the defensive side of the ball – something we haven’t uttered about this team since the days of David Lee and Harrison Barnes.
Nevertheless, it opens the debate to whether or not the Warriors are shaping themselves up for an upset come playoff time. Especially considering that the Denver Nuggets have suddenly emerged as a serious contender in the Western Conference, along with familiar foes such as the Houston Rockets and suddenly clicking Oklahoma City Thunder.
The stats certainly don’t suggest that the Warriors have been overwhelming this season, which is somewhat of a riddle considering that this team added DeMarcus Cousins during the off-season. The Warriors have the No. 1 ranked Offensive Rating in the league, but aren’t light years ahead of other teams like they’ve been in the past. Their defense is ranked 16.
Is there a switch to flip for the Warriors heading into the playoffs? Or are the Warriors playing with fire? It’s the old question that we often ask about tested, championship teams. Often times, when we ask these questions, it’s too late.
Here is this week’s NBA Power Rankings.