NBA Player Power Rankings: Damian Lillard for MVP?

Feb 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Brooklyn Nets 112-104 at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard finished the game with 34 points. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Last Rank: No. 15

Position: Forward

Age: 25

Slash Line: .412/.376/.855

Season Averages: 35.5 MPG, 23.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 2.7 3PM

Paul George started the season on an absolute tear, and that’s positively influenced his statistics the rest of the way. What no one seems to be talking about is the fact that he shot 37.1 percent from the field in December and 40.6 percent from the field in January.

Fortunately for the Indiana Pacers, George has begun to right the ship during the month of February.

George dominated the 2016 NBA All-Star Game, recording 41 points on 16-of-26 shooting against the best players in the world. He hasn’t been quite as brilliant in regular season play, but his most recent week has been encouraging.

Not only was he individually prolific, but George led the Pacers to three wins in four games.

George opened things up with 22 points and 10 assists in a 101-98 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He then tallied 20 points and six dimes in a 105-102 win over the Orlando Magic, had 31 points and 11 rebounds in a loss to the Miami Heat, and recorded 27 points, seven boards, and six assists in a 108-105 win against the New York Knicks.

If George can maintain respectable efficiency until season’s end, Indiana will make the playoffs.

Next: What More Can He Do?