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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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Mar 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) holds the ball while Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) defends in the first half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Indiana Pacers beat the Houston Rockets by the score of 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) holds the ball while Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) defends in the first half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Indiana Pacers beat the Houston Rockets by the score of 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Last Rank: No. 13

Position: Forward

Slash Line: .414/.372/.857

Season Averages: 35.3 MPG, 23.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.7 3PM

Paul George and the Indiana Pacers are holding onto the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. There’s a 2.0 game cushion with eight outings remaining on the schedule, which means George and the Pacers control their own destiny.

George has been sensational, at times, but Indiana will need eight consistent games if it’s going to make the playoffs.

George has played very well during the month of March, upping his field goal and 3-point field goal percentages from December, January, and February. After going off for 45 points roughly two weeks ago, he played with a desirable level of consistency over the most recent seven days.

That includes a big 25 points and 11 rebounds on 8-of-17 shooting during a 104-101 victory against the Indiana Pacers.

George is No. 10 in the NBA in scoring average, and No. 19 in the Association in Win Shares. Indiana is pushing for the postseason, and despite his return from a severe injury, George has been more of an asset than a liability.

If any player is built to lead an upset in the first round, it’s George. Good luck to whichever team draws Indiana.

Next: Becoming Elite