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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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Jan 31, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) calls a play during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 106-90. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) calls a play during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 106-90. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

6. LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Don’t look now, but the Cleveland Cavaliers are just 1.5 games behind the second-ranked Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference. After all the focus on their early-season struggles, the Cavs are finally playing to their full potential.

It’s no coincidence that their resurgence is timed perfectly with LeBron James’ triumphant return from his two-week break. James has looked fresh since taking the break, and an opportunity to rest and recharge his batteries could have been all the four-time MVP needed to return to his “Best Player in the NBA” status.

He had two low-scoring games this week, against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sacramento Kings. In both games, he wasn’t able to break the 20-point mark, but instead focused on distributing the ball. He had 18 assists over those two games, and in the 36-point game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he had just five assists – a clear indicator that he can toggle between scoring or facilitating modes.

Next: Aldridge