NBA Player Power Rankings: Stars Getting Hot at Perfect Time

The final stretch of the 2015-16 NBA regular season is upon us. Who is rounding into form at the perfect time? Who is heading in the wrong direction?

The 2015-16 NBA regular season is nearing its conclusion. Thus, the postseason picture is becoming clearer at the top of the standings, and the teams that have struggled to fight their way through the grueling schedule are making their final push at the bottom.

In both instances, the league’s elite players are defining the legitimacy of their respective teams’ postseason aspirations.

For some, the opportunity has presented itself to make a closing argument for their deservedness of an All-NBA selection. For others, their place is safe on said teams, but they need to gain the final bit of momentum before pursuing a championship ring.

The question is, who are the Top 20 players in the NBA and which direction are they heading in?

Next: Early Exit

Honorable Mention: Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

Last Rank: No. 6

Position: Power Forward

Age: 23

Slash Line: .493/.324/.758

Season Averages: 35.5 MPG, 24.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.1 ORPG, 1.9 APG, 2.0 BPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 3PM

With the resume Anthony Davis has built, it’s easy to forget that he’s only 23 years old—an age he turned on March 11. One of the most statistically prolific players of our time is just that, however, and that’s what makes the following news so disappointing.

As for why he’s only an honorable mention, Davis will miss the remainder of the 2015-16 NBA regular season.

This is a major setback for Davis, but it may not be as costly as it seems. It’s since been revealed that Davis has been playing with a torn labrum for three years, which means this surgery was both long-awaited and beyond necessary.

More importantly, it makes what he’s accomplished in those three years even more impressive.

At 23 years old, Davis is already a three-time All-Star with an All-NBA First Team appearance to his name. There are clearly flaws that must be addressed, and assuming he’ll come back as the same player he was is quite the assumption to make.

Davis would clearly be ranked in the Top 10 if not for the injury, but one should be encouraged by the fact that he scored 19 points in 14 minutes in his final appearance.

Next: Vintage

20. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Position: Power Forward

Age: 37

Slash Line: .464/.386/.893

Season Averages: 31.4 MPG, 18.8 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 BPG, 1.7 3PM

After spending most of the season on the bubble of the Top 20, Dirk Nowitzki has made a resounding reentry at the tail-end of the season. Often written off as past his prime, Nowitzki is proving that he still has another postseason push in him.

Dallas will need to finish the season strong in order to make the playoffs, but Nowitzki has made that possible with his stellar play.

Nowitzki began the most recent week with 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three blocks on 9-of-16 shooting against Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors. It was an impressive showing from Nowitzki, who posted 21 points and nine rebounds against the Portland Trail Blazers later that week.

Between those two very strong outings was vintage Dirk.

Nowitzki dropped 40 points on the Trail Blazers, shooting 16-of-26 from the field, 3-of-5 from 3-point range, and 5-of-5 from the free throw line. Dallas held on for a 132-120 win as the 37-year-old became the oldest player to score 40 points in a game since Karl Malone in 2003.

Nowitzki may or may not remain in the Top 20 until season’s end, but he’s averaging 25.1 points on 53.6 percent shooting over his past 10 games.

Next: The Other Star Up North

19. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors

Last Rank: No. 17

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 26

Slash Line: .443/.323/.844

Season Averages: 36.3 MPG, 23.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 3PM

DeMar DeRozan has come a long way from being the athletic shooting guard who would settle for too many midrange jump shots. He still settles for midrange jump shots, but he’s become far more aggressive in the way he attacks the basket.

According to NBA.com, DeRozan is averaging a league-best 8.9 points via drives per game.

DeRozan still has his frustrating tendencies, but he’s begun to embrace the 3-ball. He’s shooting a career-best 32.3 percent from beyond the arc, and has made the second-most 3-point field goals of his career.

That’s helped him increase his field goal percentage by a full 3.0 percent since 2014-15, as well.

The foundation of DeRozan’s drastic improvement is the way he’s increased his aggressiveness as a slasher. Not only is he leading the league in points via drives, but he’s No. 3 in the NBA in free throws attempted per game at 8.8.

That number works very well in DeRozan’s favor as a career 82.3 percent shooter from the charity stripe who checks in at 84.4 percent in 2015-16.

Next: Versatility

18. Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks

Last Rank: No. 20

Position: Power Forward

Age: 31

Slash Line: .475/.308/.753

Season Averages: 32.5 MPG, 17.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 3.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 0.9 3PM

If you don’t quite understand the craze about Paul Millsap, it’s that he does just about everything at a high level. He isn’t elite in any one area of the game, but he has no true weakness as a player who can contribute high-caliber minutes at multiple positions, and in multiple schemes.

Some have called Millsap a system player, but that’s the opposite of the truth; he’s the type of player who would thrive in any system.

If you need Millsap to be a bruising interior force, he’ll put his shoulder down, extend his arms to the maximum length of his 7’2″ wingspan, and make an impact on both the offensive glass and the low post. If you want him to space the floor, he’ll face up from midrange and even knock down the 3-ball.

If you want him to be a defensive anchor or a facilitator, he can even excel in those surprising capacities.

Millsap is No. 2 in the NBA in Defensive Win Shares, and No. 4 in the NBA in Defensive Rating. He’s No. 17 in the NBA in Win Shares per 48 minutes, No. 13 in Win Shares, and one of the better power forwards in the game today.

Millsap’s versatility is close to impossible to find, and that’s what makes him such a special player.

Next: Loyal to the City

17. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Last Rank: No. 18

Position: Small Forward

Age: 31

Slash Line: .434/.338/.821

Season Averages: 35.5 MPG, 21.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 3PM

Carmelo Anthony leads the New York Knicks in points, rebounds, and assists per game. He’s also No. 1 on the roster in 3-point field goals made per game, free throws made, and free throw attempts.

Yet, in the midst of this 29-43 season, Knicks fans have found a way to blame Anthony for the team not being better than it is.

Anthony is doing everything he can to make New York a winner, and that’s no more evident than the decline in his scoring average. He’s been inefficient, at times, which can be chalked up to his getting the strength back in his surgically repaired knee.

The reality is, Anthony isn’t just scoring less because of his field goal percentage; he’s becoming a more well-rounded player to better fit the long-term vision that Phil Jackson has for the Triangle Offense.

The highlight of Anthony’s week was recording 24 points and five assists in a 115-107 road victory over the Chicago Bulls. He shot 10-of-22 from the field and 4-of-6 from 3-point range in a game that further established New York’s future as promising.

The victory was New York’s first win at Chicago since November 4, 2010.

Next: Catching Fire

16. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs

Last Rank: No. 19

Position: Power Forward

Age: 30

Slash Line: .507/.000/.858

Season Averages: 30.4 MPG, 17.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 BPG

After trading off nights and grand performances earlier this season, LaMarcus Aldridge is playing like the perennial All-Star that he’s become. This past week, he needed very little time to torch his former team, got revenge on the Golden State Warriors, shined during a loss, and was a plus-20 in +/- during his, “Down game,” statistically.

Aldridge is back in star form, and that’s exactly why the San Antonio Spurs have become an even trendier pick to win it all than before.

Aldridge started this week with 22 points in 26 minutes during a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. That set the stage for his game-high 26 points and 13 rebounds during the Spurs’ signature 87-79 win against the Golden State Warriors.

With 18 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists on 9-of-17 shooting against the Charlotte Hornets, and a mark of plus-20 against the Miami Heat, Aldridge completed a stellar week.

Since February 1, Aldridge is averaging 21.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks on 53.4 percent shooting from the field. San Antonio is 20-3 during that stretch, with the improved record and uptick in production serving as far more than mere coincidences.

Aldridge is finally rounding into the form of the player San Antonio knew it was acquiring.

Next: Dominant Again

15. Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons

Last Rank: No. 16

Position: Center

Age: 22

Slash Line: .526/.333/.359

Season Averages: 33.1 MPG, 16.7 PPG, 14.9 RPG, 4.9 ORPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.4 BPG

The Detroit Pistons are finally getting the production and consistency out of Andre Drummond that he provided at the beginning of the season. There was a dry spell for quite some time, as hack-a-Shaq limited Drummond’s offensive production and playing time.

The past two games have effectively restored Drummond’s status as one of the best players in the NBA.

Drummond recorded 14 points and 16 rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks, but the key to his performance was how it ended. Detroit needed a big play to secure a crucial win, and Drummond tipped in the game-winner for a 92-91 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Two days later, he recorded 30 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks on 14-of-20 shooting in a 118-102 runaway win against the Orlando Magic.

Detroit is now the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, and while nothing is set in stone, that’s a promising place to be. Drummond is Stan Van Gundy’s new Dwight Howard, and much as he did with D-12, the head honcho would like to help Drummond become less of a liability at the free throw line.

If Drummond can get his free throw percentage up to 55 percent, he can emerge as one of the Top 10 players in the NBA.

Next: Can't Deny the Numbers

14. Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics

Last Rank: No. 15

Position: Point Guard

Age: 27

Slash Line: .429/.354/.883

Season Averages: 32.5 MPG, 22.2 PPG, 6.4 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.0 3PM

Isaiah Thomas has led the Boston Celtics to an outstanding season, and he’s done so by emerging as one of the very best point guards in the NBA. Both as a scorer and facilitator, Thomas has solidified his place as one of the most productive and influential players at his position.

During the current month, he’s elevated his game to All-NBA heights.

Thus far in March, Thomas is averaging 26.2 points, 4.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1.1 steal, and 2.6 3-point field goals made per game. During that 11-game stretch, he’s posted a slash line of .477/.420/.859.

An All-Star already, this 11-game stretch has pushed Thomas to a very deserving position as the No. 15 player in the NBA Player Power Rankings.

Many would argue that Thomas shouldn’t be in the Top 15, but how can one deny his production? Moreover, how can one deny his production when it has so heavily influenced the Celtics jumping out to an improbable mark of 42-30.

At No. 10 in Offensive Win Shares, No. 11 in Win Shares, and No. 15 in Win Shares per 48 minutes, Thomas has earned his Top 15 ranking.

Next: Hot and Cold

13. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Last Rank: No. 14

Position: Forward

Age: 25

Slash Line: .411/.373/.857

Season Averages: 35.5 MPG, 23.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.7 3PM

Paul George is either dominating the opposition or struggling to make shots from anywhere on the court. Such was evident this past week, when he went from torching a contender to struggling mightily in his other two outings.

When George is on his game, there’s simply no dodging how extraordinary a player he is.

The highlight of George’s week was going off for an explosive 45 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He shot 14-of-29 from the field, 4-of-10 from beyond the arc, and 13-of-15 at the free throw line in one of his best performance of the season.

In the other two outings, George went 4-of-16 against the Philadelphia 76ers, and 7-of-24 against the Toronto Raptors.

That group of performances accurately summarizes how George’s puzzling season has been pieced together. He’s built impressive statistics by going off for gaudy scoring numbers, but balanced his field goal percentage by seemingly shooting with a blindfold on.

It’s an understandable struggle for a player in their first season back from a severe injury.

Next: The Wizard of Washington

12. John Wall, Washington Wizards

Last Rank: No. 13

Position: Point Guard

Age: 25

Slash Line: .427/.348/.790

Season Averages: 36.0 MPG, 20.1 PPG, 10.0 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 1.5 3PM

Since December 1, Washington Wizards point guard John Wall is averaging 21.1 points, 10.6 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.5 3-point field goals made per game. That 57-game sample size is more than enough to believe Wall can build a permanent residency in that statistical range.

As the Wizards have proven since the beginning of the 2015-16 regular season, they can’t seem to win when he doesn’t.

Washington is 17-15 when Wall scores at least 20 points, and while that may not seem impressive, it’s 18-21 when he fails to. Far more impressive is the fact that the Wizards are 26-20 when Wall dishes out at least 10 assists and 9-16 when he fails to.

Simply put, the Wizards are a contender when Wall is facilitating the offense, and one of the worst teams in the league when he struggles to.

Wall has led Washington to five wins in its past six games, which has the Wizards right back in the postseason discussion. He ripped off back-to-back triple-doubles, has seven consecutive double-doubles, and tallied 27 points and 14 assists in a win over the Atlanta Hawks.

If you don’t think Wall is a Top 15 player, you likely haven’t been watching him play in 2015-16.

Next: Dominant Statistics

11. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

Last Rank: No. 11

Position: Forward/Center

Age: 25

Slash Line: .449/.338/.725

Season Averages: 34.8 MPG, 27.1 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 3.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.1 3PM

The Sacramento Kings are in the midst of yet another season of disarray, but that hasn’t discouraged DeMarcus Cousins from dominating individually. Whether he’s scoring, rebounding, or playing the role of a facilitator, Cousins has been superb.

One simply can’t help but wonder when Cousins and the Kings will finally break through and reach the playoffs.

2015-16 is a massive turnaround from being the sixth consecutive season that Cousins has gone without tasting the postseason. He’ll turn 26 this August, and while that may just be the beginning of his prime, the expectations will grow to heights previously unseen by the Sacramento big man.

Not only must Cousins make the team he plays for a postseason contender, but he’ll now begin to hear the response of, “But he’s never won a ring.”

Cousins certainly has it in him to post massive numbers in the NBA, as this past week so perfectly displayed. He tallied 31 points and 10 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons, dropped 24 points and 20 boards on the New York Knicks, and had 19 points and 18 rebounds at the Chicago Bulls.

The #FreeBoogie movement grows stronger daily. Numbers like that shouldn’t lead to losses.

Next: Flirting with a Quadruple-Double

10. James Harden, Houston Rockets

Last Rank: No. 12

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 26

Slash Line: .432/.343/.870

Season Averages: 37.8 MPG, 28.5 PPG, 7.4 APG, 6.3 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 2.7 3PM

At some point in time, one has to stop criticizing James Harden and start feeling for him. His defensive inconsistency is overwhelming, but Harden has been elevating his game on both ends of the floor in recent weeks, and it’s still been to no avail.

Perhaps the Houston Rockets’ struggles aren’t to place on Harden’s shoulders after all.

Harden opened the week with 29 points and 14 assists in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He then tallied 25 points and eight assists in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks, and had 24 points, 16 assists, seven rebounds, and four steals during a 111-107 defeat at the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Harden then flirted with a quadruple-double, tallying 26 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, and eight steals in an 89-87 loss to the Utah Jazz.

Harden clearly has his flaws—high turnover totals come to mind—but he’s playing at an all-time level. According to Basketball-Reference.com, only Harden, Russell Westbrook, and LeBron James have averaged at least 28.0 points and 7.0 assists since 2009-10.

That’s the type of company that great players keep.

Next: Elite With Him, Lost Without Him

9. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors

Last Rank: No. 10

Position: Point Guard

Age: 29

Slash Line: .442/.395/.829

Season Averages: 37.3 MPG, 21.9 PPG, 6.4 APG, 5.0 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 2.8 3PM

Since coming back from the All-Star Break with a loss, the Toronto Raptors are 13-2 with Kyle Lowry active and 0-2 when he isn’t. That’s as telling of a statistic as you’re going to find about how valuable Lowry has been to the Raptors’ success in 2015-16.

At 48-22, Lowry has the Raptors just two victories away from the first 50-win season in franchise history.

Since the All-Star Break, Lowry is averaging 25.1 points, 7.1 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. He’s doing so on 49.6 percent shooting from the field and a mark of 40.7 percent from beyond the arc, which are both examples of elite efficiency.

Thus, it comes as no surprise that Toronto has won 13 of the 15 games Lowry has played since All-Star Weekend.

This past week, Lowry helped Toronto pick up three big wins. He tallied 28 points and eight rebounds at the Indiana Pacers, had 32 points and five assists against Boston Celtics, and posted 18 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals in a matchup with the Orlando Magic.

The one game Lowry missed was a 12-point loss to the same Celtics that Toronto had defeated by 14 just five days prior.

Next: Doing It All

8. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Last Rank: No. 9

Position: Power Forward

Age: 26

Slash Line: .481/.375/.686

Season Averages: 34.5 MPG, 13.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.7 ORPG, 7.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 1.2 3PM

The Golden State Warriors are off to a start that has never been seen before. The Warriors’ 64 victories are the most any team has recorded through 71 games, and that includes the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.

Stephen Curry deservedly steals headlines, but without power forward Draymond Green, Golden State would not be as great as it is.

This past week featured one of the best games Green has played all season. It wasn’t one of his 11 triple-doubles, but instead a performance that proved, when all else fails, he can take over games as a scorer and make key plays in clutch moments.

With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combining to shoot 11-of-31 from the field—an accurate reflection of their struggles—Green scored 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The T-Wolves led the game entering and through much of the fourth quarter. Green made massive contributions on both ends of the floor, specifically during the fourth quarter, and ensured that Golden State would continue to compete for the greatest record in NBA history.

Green is known for being a well-rounded player who can contribute in every phase of the game on both ends, but the knowledge that he can lead the way as a scorer is invaluable to Golden State’s championship aspirations.

Next: Missing Something

7. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Last Rank: No. 8

Position: Point Guard

Age: 30

Slash Line: .463/.375/.890

Season Averages: 33.3 MPG, 19.9 PPG, 9.8 APG, 4.1 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 1.7 3PM

When it comes to being fundamentally polished in every phase of the game, there are few players in the NBA more complete than Chris Paul. There’s no true flaw in his skill set, and that includes his proven ability to score during late-game situations in the playoffs.

Unfortunately for CP3, Blake Griffin continues to miss time, and the Los Angeles Clippers are finally beginning to pay the price for it.

Paul has led the Clippers to severe overachievement in 2015-16, with Los Angeles going 26-14 in 40 games without Griffin. Unfortunately, the Clippers have dropped five of their past six games, with every loss calling on Griffin as a player who could’ve helped.

Nevertheless, Paul has earned the ranking of No. 7 in the NBA with his purely brilliant work in 2015-16.

Since Griffin went down on Christmas Day, Paul has played at an All-NBA level. During that 40-game stretch, Paul has averaged 21.3 points, 10.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 steals on an efficient slash line of .465/.380/.887.

Los Angeles is bordering on being a legitimate championship contender, but Paul needs Griffin to return if he’s to put on the finishing touches.

Next: Not an All-Star

6. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Last Rank: No. 7

Position: Point Guard

Age: 25

Slash Line: .427/.380/.891

Season Averages: 36.0 MPG, 25.8 PPG, 6.9 APG, 4.2 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 3.2 3PM

Damian Lillard will not let the Portland Trail Blazers die. No matter how many obstacles are encountered, the Trail Blazers have been able to overcome the odds and continue to compete for a berth in the 2016 NBA Playoffs.

With all due respect to the wonderful job done by everyone in Portland, without Lillard, none of this would’ve been possible.

Lillard is No. 5 in the NBA in scoring average at a career-best 25.8 points per game. He’s also dishing out 6.9 assists per contest, making an average of 3.2 3-point field goals, and getting to the line for 6.2 free throw attempts per outing.

Whether he’s spacing the floor, attacking the rack, or creating for his teammates, Lillard is getting the job done for his team.

Lillard proved himself this past week, scoring 33 points against the New Orleans Pelicans to help Portland pick up a much-needed win. After dropping one to the Dallas Mavericks, Lillard bounced back to help Portland defeat Rick Carlisle‘s crew by posting 27 points in a 109-103 affair.

Portland must close this season out strong to reach the playoffs, and Lillard intends to make that happen.

Next: The System

5. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Last Rank: No. 5

Position: Small Forward

Age: 24

Slash Line: .509/.462/.880

Season Averages: 32.8 MPG, 21.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.9 3PM

The San Antonio Spurs are back in the championship discussion after defeating the one team they couldn’t overcome: the Golden State Warriors. The Spurs beat a short-handed Warriors squad, much as Golden State beat a short-handed San Antonio team.

Nevertheless, the fact that San Antonio defeated Golden State has resurrected the belief that the NBA championship has not yet been won.

At the heart of the Spurs’ championship aspirations is the man who won Finals MVP when San Antonio struck gold in 2014: Kawhi Leonard. Not only is Leonard in an entirely different stratosphere from his peers defensively, but he’s become the focal point in Gregg Popovich’s offense.

Whether he’s attempting 10 shots or 20, Leonard’s touches dictate the pace and direction of the offense on a possession-by-possession basis.

Leonard is averaging a career-best 21.0 points per game on a slash line that doesn’t make sense: .509/.462/.880. He’s already made more than 120 3-point field goals at that clip of 46.2 percent, and is attempting more than 15 field goals per game to build his mark of 50.9 percent from the floor.

Leonard is no longer a system player offensively; he’s become the system.

Next: He's Back

4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Rank: No. 3

Position: Small Forward

Age: 27

Slash Line: .507/.385/.894

Season Averages: 36.0 MPG, 28.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.3 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 2.5 3PM

Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder are on a five-game winning streak. OKC is closing in on yet another 50-win season, and that’s refreshing news when one recalls the surprising fact that the Thunder missed the playoffs in 2014-15.

Durant also missed most of that season, but with KD back and thriving, the Thunder are contenders again.

Durant is averaging 28.0 points and flirting with yet another appearance in the 50-40-90 club. He can still be tentative, at times, but he’s better embraced his role as an all-around playmaker under head coach Billy Donovan.

Durant proved as much this past week with what can accurately be described as one of his signature performances.

Durant went to war with Paul George, recording 33 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and a block on 11-of-20 shooting. This followed his tallying 26 points, 13 boards, and six dimes on a mark of 11-of-16 from the field against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Durant slips to No. 4, but only because his teammate has been plying at an absolutely absurd level during the month of March.

Next: Triple-Double Machine

3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Rank: No. 4

Position: Point Guard

Age: 27

Slash Line: .455/.300/.814

Season Averages: 34.6 MPG, 23.7 PPG, 10.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 1.3 3PM

No player is more demonstrative in their passion for the game of basketball than Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook. The league’s resident triple-double king is not just productive and fun to watch; he’s on an all-time pace.

In just one month, Westbrook has six triple-doubles—the most since Michael Jordan in April of 1989, and Larry Bird in February of 1986.

Westbrook’s six triple-doubles in March are more than all but one other player has recorded during the entire 2015-16 regular season. Throw in the fact that Westbrook has three consecutive triple-doubles, as well as four in five games, and he’s clearly scorching hot.

More important than Westbrook’s six triple-doubles in March are the league-leading 15 he has in 2015-16.

Westbrook’s 15 triple-doubles are the most in a single season since Magic Johnson had 17 and Michael Jordan recorded 15 in 1988-89. Beyond the historical significance is the fact that the Thunder are a perfect 15-0 when Westbrook finishes with a triple-double.

He’s a polarizing player, but there’s only so much you can say to unbiasedly refute Westbrook’s greatness in 2015-16.

Next: Only Obstacle: Himself

2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Last Rank: No. 2

Position: Small Forward

Age: 31

Slash Line: .506/.287/.721

Season Averages: 35.6 MPG, 24.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.1 3PM

LeBron James is looking like LeBron James again, and that is the worst sentence the rest of the NBA could possibly read. He’s dominating in multiple phases of the games, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to victory, and going into championship mode.

Many will criticize him, but James has led teams to five consecutive NBA Finals appearances, and that’s the only necessary response.

James began the week in a deferential role, recording 18 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in a win over the Orlando Magic. He then posted 26 points in a blowout loss to the Miami Heat, which seemed to spark his return to being King James.

James brutalized the Denver Nuggets for 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, and wasn’t much nicer to the Milwaukee Bucks.

If James plays with this level of aggressiveness throughout the playoffs, the Cavaliers will be more legitimate of contenders than many expect them to be. He’s still the most physically dominant perimeter player in the NBA, and two championship rings suggest he can win it all.

The Western Conference has a full gauntlet of genuine championship contenders, but if James is able to play up to his expected level of greatness, anything is possible.

Next: Still No. 1

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Last Rank: No. 1

Position: Point Guard

Age: 27

Slash Line: .507/.453/.903

Season Averages: 33.9 MPG, 30.1 PPG, 6.5 APG, 5.4 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 5.0 3PM

In a head to head matchup with fellow Top 10 player Chris Paul, Stephen Curry prevailed as the dominant force. The 28-year-old overcame a recent string of dreadful performances to score 33 efficient points in a 114-98 victory over the rival Los Angeles Clippers.

Curry could rest for the remainder of the season and still win MVP, but this performance was still encouraging to see after both the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves shut him down.

Curry bookended the week with dominance, and fit two disappointing outings in between them. His 31 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds, and two steals against the Dallas Mavericks were evidence enough of how easily his down games are to overlook.

The Golden State Warriors are 64-7, and unless they go on an unforeseen 11-game losing streak, Curry is very clearly MVP.

At this point, it’s becoming difficult to write about Curry without saying the things that have already been said. We all know how brilliant a player he is, and the redundancy in writing about it is leading to just one common response.

More hoops habit: Who is the next best player in the NBA?

Why must we wait for the playoffs to begin?