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NBA Player Power Rankings: Russell Westbrook Pushing for MVP

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) gestures from the court during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) gestures from the court during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) shoots the basketball against Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Mavericks 128-120. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) shoots the basketball against Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Mavericks 128-120. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Last Rank: N/A

Position: Shooting Guard

Slash Line: .471/.431/.867

Season Averages: 33.2 MPG, 22.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 3.5 3PM

As Stephen Curry comes back down to a closer galaxy, the Golden State Warriors have turned to Klay Thompson to take over games. Whether it’s for a full 48 minutes or a more limited time period, Thompson has stepped up and thrived for the defending NBA champions.

With two 40-point games, and a huge game-tying shot at the end of regulation against the Utah Jazz, Thompson’s most recent week helps him crack the Top 20.

Thompson has an uncanny ability to balance a stretch of underwhelming outings with an explosive scoring performance. Over the past month, however, he’s consistently stepped up and provided the Warriors with vital contributions on both ends.

This past week, Thompson scored 40 points in two different games, struggled against the Washington Wizards, and played savior against the Jazz—quite the balance.

Thompson is likely to be honored with an All-Defensive Team selection in 2015-16, and rightfully so. He routinely takes on the best perimeter player on the opposing team, including point guards, and helps anchor the Warriors’ defense with Draymond Green.

If he closes out the season at this rate, and Golden State wins at least 70 games, he’ll likely be named All-NBA, as well.

Next: Making History