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NBA Player Power Rankings: Has Stephen Curry Won MVP Yet?

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after being called for a foul against the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after being called for a foul against the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 26, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) passes around Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) passes around Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Last Rank: No. 16

Position: Point Guard

Age: 25

Slash Line: .421/.376/.872

Season Averages: 36.1 MPG, 24.3 PPG, 7.1 APG, 4.4 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 3.0 3PM

The Western Conference isn’t what it used to be, but that doesn’t make the following fact any less significant. Damian Lillard has the Portland Trail Blazers at 21-26, which, for the time being, is good for the No. 8 seed.

Who would’ve thought that Portland could play this well after Arron Afflalo, LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, Robin Lopez, and Wesley Matthews all departed via a trade or free agency?

Lillard hasn’t been alone in his efforts, but he’s taking a relatively nameless Portland squad to significant heights. He’s leading the way as a scorer, setting the table as a facilitator, and stepping up in key clutch moments.

If nothing else, the world knew the latter point would remain a problem for the opposition.

Lillard only had two games this past week, but they were a perfect illustration of his value to the Trail Blazers. He scored 36 points on 14-of-19 shooting in a win against the Los Angeles Lakers, and tallied 15 points and 13 assists during a victory over the Sacramento Kings.

At No. 6 in the NBA in scoring and No. 7 in assists per game, Lillard has earned his place in the Top 15.

Next: The Stabilizing Force