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NBA Player Power Rankings: Can Anyone Overthrow the Leader?

By Greg Chin

Jan 31, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles past Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) in the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 106-87. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles past Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) in the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 106-87. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a basket and drawing a foul against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a basket and drawing a foul against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)

With Kevin Durant back on the sidelines with a turf toe injury, the Oklahoma City Thunder will look to Russell Westbrook to take over the team. And boy, has he done so with aplomb.

After a poor performance against the Memphis Grizzlies, where he had just 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists, he came back against the Orlando Magic with a vengeance. He recorded a triple-double (his second of the season) with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. Two nights later, he put up 45 points on 18-of-31 shooting (58.1 percent) against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Thunder are still outside of the top eight, in the 10th spot with a 25-24 record. The race for the eighth seed will go down to the wire, and you can be sure that Russell Westbrook is on a mission to make sure the Thunder make the playoffs.

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