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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 1, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Jordan Farmar (4) guards Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half at FedExForum. Toronto beat Memphis 99-95. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Jordan Farmar (4) guards Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half at FedExForum. Toronto beat Memphis 99-95. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors

Last Rank: No. 11

Position: Point Guard

Age: 30

Slash Line: .430/.386/.816

Season Averages: 37.3 MPG, 21.5 PPG, 6.4 APG, 4.8 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 2.7 3PM

Since acquiring Kyle Lowry, the Toronto Raptors have experienced success previously unbeknownst to the local fanbase. Toronto has set a new franchise record for wins in three consecutive seasons, ultimately leading to the first 50-win campaign in team history in 2015-16.

Some have better numbers than Lowry, but in terms of getting the job done on both ends of the floor, very few match him.

Aside from leading Toronto to 52 wins and counting, Lowry has been one of the league’s best players in 2015-16. He’s No. 8 in the NBA in Win Shares, is No. 3 amongst points guards in Defensive Real +/-, and ranks in the Top 15 in points, assists, steals, and 3-point field goals made per game.

A lot of what Lowry does won’t show up in the box score, but he’s been absolutely sensational in 2015-16.

This past week, Lowry stepped up as a scorer when his team needed him most. He scored 22 critical points in a 99-95 road victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, and posted 21 points and six assists during a 96-90 win against the Charlotte Hornets.

There are some who do it better offensively, but Lowry’s ability to control the pace on both ends is vital to Toronto’s success.

Next: Improbably Clinched