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NBA Player Power Rankings: Top 20 Players at Midway Point

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) speaks to head coach Billy Donovan during a break in action against the Miami Heat at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) speaks to head coach Billy Donovan during a break in action against the Miami Heat at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Rank: No. 4

Position: Small Forward

Age: 27

Slash Line: .508/.395/.888

Season Averages: 35.5 MPG, 26.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 2.3 3PM

Kevin Durant hasn’t consistently looked like himself under new head coach Billy Donovan. In the midst of the progressive return to MVP form, Durant has taken his defensive play to another level, and is still maintaining an absurd level of efficiency.

In turn, Durant has helped the Oklahoma City Thunder go 21-4 over its past 25 games.

Durant’s most recent week was an example of how explosive he can be. He tallied 21 points and seven assists in just 30 minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had 24 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes against the Miami Heat, and scored 26 points in 30 minutes against the Charlotte Hornets—all of which were lopsided victories.

In the only close game of the week, Durant tallied 30 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and a pair of steals in a 110-104 road victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Durant is currently No. 3 in the NBA in Win Shares per 48 minutes—slightly ahead of teammate Russell Westbrook. He’s also No. 3 in scoring average and Player Efficiency Rating, which is an accurate reflection of how well he’s played in 2015-16.

As Durant inches closer to the form he displayed in 2013-14, the Thunder are proving to be a legitimate championship contender.

Next: The King Dethroned?