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 6, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Rank: No. 2
Position: Point Guard
Age: 27
Slash Line: .474/.304/.844
Season Averages: 34.2 MPG, 26.4 PPG, 9.9 APG, 7.4 RPG, 2.4 SPG

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 5-0 when Russell Westbrook puts up 15 or fewer field goal attempts. Oklahoma City is 8-8 when Westbrook is tasked with shooting the ball 16 times or more.

The good news: Westbrook shot the ball less than 15 times in both of the Thunder’s games this past week.

Westbrook tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals on 7-of-13 shooting during Oklahoma City’s 98-95 victory over the Sacramento Kings. He then posted 13 points, 16 assists, five rebounds and two steals on 5-of-7 shooting during the Thunder’s 125-88 thrashing of the Memphis Grizzlies.

The latter performance was completed in just 25 minutes of court time.

It may not have been his most explosive scoring week, but Westbrook is beginning to find his niche in Billy Donovan‘s offense. The Thunder are at their best when Westbrook is facilitating and getting his teammates involved.

The fact that he excelled in such a capacity is exactly why he remains one of the league’s elite players.

Next: Another Stellar Week