Golden State Warriors slip to No. 3 in recent power rankings

Currently on a three-game losing streak, the Golden State Warriors have slipped to No. 3 in ESPN’s most recent power rankings.

The Golden State Warriors have dipped below two Eastern Conference teams with the Toronto Raptors capturing the league’s top spot. The Dubs, now 12-6, are still atop of the Western Conference.

They’ve been far from their typical, dominant self. That said, it’s all started with injury, a phrase those fans of the NBA’s back-to-back champions have certainly heard more than once.

Stephen Curry, who has been sidelined the last few games with a groin injury, showcased his value. His mere absence sent the Warriors into shambles, and as ESPN says, Kerr is facing his toughest stretch since his arrival in the Bay.

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Over the last four years, the Dubs in the media has at-large been a good thing. Recently, that’s changed though. The Warriors’ Draymond Green, who has been granted time off to nurse his injured toe, got into a dispute with superstar Kevin Durant.

That boiled over to one-game suspension for Green after unpleasant profanities found their way to the Dubs locker room. That to say, the Golden State Warriors have not been playing as a single unit lately.

Albeit they still boast the league’s most efficient offense, this dip in the rankings is certainly warranted. But, let’s remember that’s it’s still November, and the Warriors have still won the league’s last two championships.

Once Curry returns to even out the chemistry and facilitate the offense, this team will be fine. Until then, let’s just hope the second unit steps up and Kevin Durant continues to try to lead the Warriors.

With the Thunder and Trail Blazers over their next two games, Kevin Durant and the Warriors will be tested against two of other top-five teams in the league, according to ESPN’s rankings. Will they pass the test or fill they further prove that Curry is inevitable to the team’s success?

That we’ll have to wait and see, but as for now, the Warriors, who don’t have the top spot anymore, need to work on playing as a team and playing to their strengths. As injuries mount, that will continue to grow harder to do, allowing the losses to rack up.