Hoops Habit
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NBA Power Rankings: HoopsHabit Holiday Edition

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) goes up for a shot during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) goes up for a shot during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Charlotte Hornets

Record: 10-19

Last Week: 4-1

Previous Rank: No. 25

It’s never too late for a turnaround. Well, technically it can be, but right now, it isn’t.

Thus, the value of the Charlotte Hornets’ resurgence.

Since dropping to 6-19 on December 17, the Hornets have ripped off four consecutive victories. All four were against teams with a record no better than .500, but beating the teams that you’re supposed to beat is the key to making the playoffs.

Somehow, Charlotte is only 3.0 games back of the No. 7 seed and 4.0 away from No. 6.

Welcome to the Eastern Conference.

Al Jefferson is an All-NBA center and Kemba Walker is progressing, but the key to Charlotte’s season is Lance Stephenson. He was brought on to be a star-caliber contributor, but his inefficiency has hindered the Hornets’ development.

So long as Stephenson rounds into form, the Hornets could still be a postseason team.

Next: So Close; Something's Missing