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; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) sits on the bench during the Warriors 112-109 win over Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Last Rank: No. 1
Position: Point Guard
Age: 27
Slash Line: .529/.463/.901
Season Averages: 34.4 MPG, 32.2 PPG, 6.0 APG, 5.0 RPG, 2.3 SPG, 5.2 3PM

For the sake of open-mindedness, I racked my brain for ways to put someone else at No. 1 overall. After that tedious process concluded, one thing became clear: no one has been able to consistently match Stephen Curry’s level of play.

The Golden State Warriors are 23-0 and Curry is the clear way-too-early favorite for MVP.

Curry opened the week that followed the previous player power rankings with 44 points on 14-of-24 shooting in an unforgettable duel with Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors. He made nine of his 15 3-point field goal attempts, and continued to quietly shine from within the arc.

By game’s end, one thing became abundantly clear: Curry isn’t ready to loosen his grip on the MVP trophy.

After tallying just two assists against the Brooklyn Nets, Curry got back to being the facilitator against the Indiana Pacers. He dished out 10 assists to complement his 29 points, thus registering his second double-double of the season.

It was yet another stellar week from the league’s reigning MVP.