Golden State Warriors have jumped 15 spots into the top 10 of CBS Sports' weekly NBA Power Rankings after securing their fifth consecutive victory, a streak they never managed last season. Following a win over Phoenix, Stephen Curry pointed to rookie Yaxel Lendeborg's historic start, Brandin Podziemski's continued growth, and Brandon Williams' bench impact as key differences from the 37-win team of a year ago.
Curry emphasized the squad is more prepared on the details of their game plan, even though statistical profiles — pace, three-point volume, turnover rate, and defensive rating — remain nearly identical to last season. The Warriors now sit 5-3 after an 0-3 start, fueled by three major factors.
Curry's MVP-Caliber Start
Stephen Curry is scoring over a point per minute (30 points in 28.8 minutes per game), joining Luka Dončić as the only players with at least 100 minutes played to achieve that mark. He is converting 43% on more than 10 three-point attempts per game and recently made 51 consecutive free throws to open the season. His 137.4 points per 100 shot attempts is a career high, per Cleaning the Glass.
Lendeborg's Historic Rookie Impact
Yaxel Lendeborg has become the only rookie besides 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, making him the fourth rookie ever to do so. He provides a legitimate first option when Curry rests and eases Curry's creative burden as a pick-and-roll machine and the league's most efficient isolation scorer.
Podziemski's Breakout Season
Brandin Podziemski is posting career highs of 17 points, five assists, and five rebounds per game. The Warriors have outscored opponents by 50 points with him on the floor, the best on/off differential on the team. His ability to generate paint pressure alongside Curry and Lendeborg gives Golden State three to four players who can break down defenses nightly.
Top 10 Power Rankings
1. Houston Rockets (7-2) — lead league in net rating and have increased pace and ball sharing. 2. Philadelphia 76ers (8-1) — overcome four double-digit deficits; Tyrese Maxey is an MVP candidate. 3. San Antonio Spurs (6-2) — Victor Wembanyama averaging 4.9 dunks per game, on pace to shatter the single-season record. 4. Detroit Pistons (6-2) — Cade Cunningham playing MVP ball; league's best defense. 5. Boston Celtics (6-2) — Paul George slightly ahead of Jaylen Brown statistically; Jayson Tatum not yet shooting efficiently. 6. Memphis Grizzlies (6-2) — league's only top-five offense and defense; Ty Jerome on a historic scoring run. 7. Los Angeles Lakers (7-2) — Luka Dončić leading MVP race; team leads in FG% and 3PT%. 8. Portland Trail Blazers (6-1) — Deni Avdija leading scoring five straight games; Donovan Clingan impressed vs. Denver. 9. Golden State Warriors (5-3) — five straight wins after 0-3 start. 10. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-2) — battling injuries; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carrying heavy load.
