NBA MVP Power Rankings: Stephen Curry Holding Off Durant, Leonard

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8. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Stats: 17.6 points, 9.2 assists, 23.47 PER

After a rough start to the season, the Los Angeles Clippers are finally beginning to round into form. And with Blake Griffin currently sidelined with an injury, Chris Paul has kept the Clippers above water – and then some.

The Clippers have won seven-straight games and have climbed within two games of the third-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference standings. When Paul is healthy and engaged, the Clippers are simply a different looking team. He’s the leader and the straw that stirs this team’s cup. Blake Griffin might be the team’s best player, but Paul is their MVP.

And if the Clippers continue on this trend, he could steal some NBA MVP votes. Don’t be surprised.

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