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NBA Power Rankings: How far will the Warriors fall?

By Ian Levy

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 18: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors stretches before the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 18, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 18: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors stretches before the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 18, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 18, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on November 18, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

. 11-5. Previous: 3rd. Portland Trail Blazers. 3. team. 34

The Trail Blazers aren’t running away from anyone but they aren’t fading either. Nearly a quarter of the way through the season, they’re ranked sixth in offensive efficiency and eighth in defensive efficiency. Landing in the top-10 on both ends is usually considered the threshold for a legitimate contender and Portland is one of just four teams, along with the Raptors, Bucks and Nuggets, who currently fall in that zone.

It’s been a recurring theme in these rankings but the difference for Portland this season has been solid contributions up and down the roster. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are scoring efficiently, the way they have the past few seasons. But the Blazers are also getting solid play from Jusuf Nurkic (rebounding and finishing), Al-Farouq Aminu (versatile defense and shooting ), Evan Turner (complementary ball-handling) and Zach Collins (shooting and rim protection). The depth finally appears to be materializing in a consistent way, which makes this team even more dangerous.

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