NBA Power Rankings, Jan. 9 Edition: A New Face At The Top

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Jan 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George (24) drives towards the basket past Atlanta Hawks small forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 97-87. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Indiana Pacers (28-7)

Last Week: 3-1
Previous Ranking: 2

Long Time Coming For Granger: Danny Granger made his first start in more than a year when the Pacers played in Atlanta Wednesday night. Granger played in place of Lance Stephenson, who has a right knee contusion. Granger has only played 14 games since the start of last season and last started a regular-season game on April 21, 2012, against Philadelphia. His last start overall was in Game 6 of the Pacers’ Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the Heat in May 2012.

The Week That Was: The Pacers beat the Pelicans 99-82 on Saturday, won at Cleveland 82-78 on Sunday, beat the Raptors 86-79 on Tuesday and lost at Atlanta 97-87 on Wednesday.

The Numbers: 41.6% FG (26th), 29.8% 3PT (28th), 80.3% FT, 46.5 RPG, 16.8 TOPG (27th), 88.5 PPG (28th)
The Opponents: 40.3% FG (3rd), 33.8% 3PT, 79.1% FT, 38 RPG (4th), 13.8 TOPG, 84 PPG (1st)

The Leaders: Paul George 19.8 PPG, David West 8.5 RPG, Lance Stephenson 4.7 APG (3 games), George 1.5 SPG, Roy Hibbert 2.5 BPG, Stephenson 18-for-32 (56.3%) FG, Rasual Butler 3-for-4 (75%) 3PT (2 games)
Don’t! Shooters: Hibbert 10-for-30 (33.3%) FG, Stephenson 2-for-8 (25%) 3PT (3 games)