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NBA Player Power Rankings: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

By Maxwell Ogden

January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after shooting a three-point shot during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after shooting a three-point shot during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 13, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after being called for a second technical foul and ejected in action against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after being called for a second technical foul and ejected in action against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Rank: No. 3

Position: Point Guard

Age: 27

Slash Line: .456/.304/.820

Season Averages: 34.0 MPG, 24.8 PPG, 9.5 APG, 7.0 RPG, 2.5 SPG, 1.3 3PM

Verdict: Hot

Statistically speaking, Russell Westbrook is on pace to have the most explosive season by a point guard in 25 years. He’s scoring and facilitating at borderline elite levels, and is doing so with underrated efficiency.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, Westbrook is on pace to be the first player to average at least 24.0 points and 9.0 assists since Michael Adams in 1990-91.

Westbrook was ejected just 15 minutes into a 108-89 blowout of the Dallas Mavericks, but that didn’t prevent him from showing out. He went 0-of-3 from the field and 0-for-4 from the free throw line, but recorded eight assists and seven rebounds in those 15 minutes.

The rest of the week was more complete for the 27-year-old.

Westbrook posted 36 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists in a 117-113 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers, and tallied 25 points, 15 assists, nine rebounds, and three steals against the Portland Trail Blazers. He also had 22 points, 11 dimes, seven boards, and three steals on 8-of-15 shooting in a 101-96 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

If you’re a stat-head, Westbrook is your kind of player.

Next: Eyes on the Throne