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NBA Player Power Rankings: The Final Push For MVP

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) hands off the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets 124-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

Last Rank: No. 13

Position: Small Forward

Age: 25

Slash Line: .416/.373/.859

Season Averages: 35.1 MPG, 23.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.6 3PM

The Indiana Pacers have been patient with Paul George as he completes his first full season back from a compound fracture in his right leg. During that trying process, George has blended overwhelming inconsistency with extraordinary play, thus resulting in a third career All-Star Game appearance.

This past week, George looked like himself again.

PG13 started things off with 27 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and five steals on 11-of-23 shooting against the Orlando Magic. He overcame a poor shooting night with 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists against the Philadelphia 76ers, and tallied 20 points and nine boards during a win over the New York Knicks.

Against a LeBron James-less Cleveland Cavaliers squad, George closed out the week with 29 points on 10-of-17 shooting as Indiana ran away for a 123-109 victory.

With the postseason nearing, George is elevating his play to the star-caliber level that Indiana needs to see from him. The Pacers have secured a record above .500, and are closing in on securing the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference.

If Indiana is successful in doing so, it’d have a matchup with the Toronto Raptors looming—a team that’s lost in the first round in consecutive seasons. Cue George’s heroics.

Next: #FreeBoogie