The Golden State Warriors have jumped 15 spots to No. 9 in the latest NBA Power Rankings after winning five straight games, a feat they never accomplished last season. Stephen Curry is off to an MVP-caliber start, averaging 30 points in 28.8 minutes per game while shooting 43% on more than 10 three-point attempts per night. He scored 137.4 points per 100 shot attempts, a career high, and made 51 consecutive free throws to open the season.
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has made historic contributions, becoming only the second rookie after Larry Bird to record at least 100 points, 40 rebounds and 20 assists in his first five games. He averages 22.3 points over his first seven games, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Rick Barry as the only Warriors rookies to top 20 PPG in that span. Lendeborg also posted a 37-point, five-assist game on 85% true shooting, the fourth rookie ever to do so.
Brandin Podziemski has elevated his game to a career-high 17 points, five assists and five rebounds per game. The Warriors have outscored opponents by 50 points with Podziemski on the floor, the best on the team. Supporting players like Georges Niang, Gui Santos, De'Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, Will Richard, Al Horford and Charles Bassey have thrived alongside the core trio.
Top 10 Power Rankings
1. Houston Rockets (9-3) – tied for best record and net rating. 2. Philadelphia 76ers (9-3) – overcome four double-digit deficits, Tyrese Maxey an MVP candidate. 3. San Antonio Spurs (10-2) – Victor Wembanyama averaging 4.9 dunks per game, on pace for 402. 4. Detroit Pistons (7-3) – Cade Cunningham playing MVP ball, league's best defense. 5. Boston Celtics (10-2) – Paul George slightly ahead of Jaylen Brown statistically. 6. Memphis Grizzlies (7-4) – lead league with 133 points per game, top-five in both offensive and defensive rating. 7. Los Angeles Lakers (11-2) – Luka Dončić running away with MVP, No. 1 in FG% and 3PT%. 8. Portland Trail Blazers (8-3) – Deni Avdija leading scoring five straight games. 9. Golden State Warriors (8-4) – five straight wins after 0-3 start. 10. Oklahoma City Thunder (8-4) – ravaged by injuries, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carrying heavy load.
