NBA Player Power Rankings: Stephen Curry Has Competition

November 17, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Raptors 115-110. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) shoots against Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
Last Rank: N/A
Position: Point Guard
Age: 30
Slash Line: .465/.364/.846
Season Averages: 32.1 MPG, 17.3 PPG, 8.4 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 1.3 3PM

After taking some time away, Chris Paul has almost returned to his home on the NBA player power rankings. He’s done so in the best way possible: by going toe-to-toe with Stephen Curry in an unforgettable duel.

With 35 points on 13-of-22 shooting, Paul effectively reminded his critics of why he’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Paul followed his 35-point eruption with three weak scoring performances, but he tallied a double-double in two of those games. He then dropped 24 points and eight assists on 10-of-15 shooting against the Utah Jazz.

Overall, Paul finished the five-game week with averages of 19.6 points, 9.0 assists and 2.4 steals on a slash line of .521/.474/.929—a great way to get back into this conversation.

Paul still has work to do, specifically in figuring out what’s plaguing his Los Angeles Clippers. Los Angeles has lost four of its past five games and is 3-8 since opening the season at 4-0.

If this is Paul finding his legs, however, his healthy form is going to be terrifying for opposing defenses.

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