NBA Player Power Rankings: Rested LeBron James Thriving

Dec 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) against the New Orleans Pelicans during overtime of a game at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 114-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 5, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) defends against Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won in overtime 122-119. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Last Rank: No. 3
Position: Small Forward
Age: 25
Slash Line: .449/.448/.838
Season Averages: 36.3 MPG, 27.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 3.5 3PM

Paul George has taken it upon himself to silence all critics and help his team contend. The Indiana Pacers don’t appear to have the pieces to win a championship, but the 25-year-old is doing everything in his power to defy the odds.

That includes nearly upsetting the 23-0 Golden State Warriors.

George opened the week with a dreadful performance, accumulating 11 points on 4-of-17 shooting against the Portland Trail Blazers. Fortunately, he followed that outing with 48 points on 15-of-27 shooting against the Utah Jazz.

With 33 points, eight rebounds and six assists against the Warriors, George effectively preserved his place in the Top 5.

The bad news for George is that, while his individual play has been stellar, his team has lost three in a row. A record of 12-8 is more than acceptable after 20 games, and it certainly puts Indiana in a position to compete for a high seed in the Eastern Conference.

George is doing all he can individually to lead Indiana to the promise land.

Next: Willing to Facilitate