Spurs reclaim No. 1; first-half MVPs

We're at the halfway mark of the season and, not surprisingly, the team at the top of the Power Rankings is the one on a 70-win pace.

Yes, the Spurs have been healthier than the other top contenders, a huge factor when you consider the recent fate of the Mavericks and the 18-month saga of the Trail Blazers. But you don't win as often as the Spurs have without being a deep, resourceful team that knows how to close out games. San Antonio deserves the top spot without any caveats.

This edition of the Rankings is devoted to identifying the first-half MVP and runner-up for each team. Check back later this week for my team-by-team midseason grades.

(All stats and records are through Jan. 17.)

NBA Power Rankings