NBA Power Rankings: How far will the Warriors fall?

By Ian Levy | Nov 20, 2018

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) /

5 of 16

NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 17: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets on November 17, 2018 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /

69. . 10-7. Previous: 13th. New Orleans Pelicans. 12. team

The Pelicans had a strong week, taking games from both the Nuggets and Spurs. They currently have the third-best offensive efficiency mark in the league and have continued to get solid individual performances from Anthony Davis as well as players in the supporting cast like E’Twaun Moore and Julius Randle.

The issue is that the team’s defense has been a disaster. They are currently 26th in defensive efficiency, surrendering an eye-popping 111.3 points per 100 possessions. When Davis is on the bench, that number climbs to 116.5. Elfrid Payton hasn’t been much help at that end of the floor and, while New Orleans will miss him, the six weeks he misses with injury may force New Orleans to use Jrue Holiday more at point and get another defensive wing into the rotation.

Home/NBA