by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports

The challenge behind rankings is balancing recent results with overall production.

So, 13-game winning streak or best record in the NBA?

USA TODAY Sports’ NBA power rankings committee sided with the 21-5 Oklahoma City Thunder over the 21-6 Los Angeles Clippers and their 13-game winning streak in this case. Of course, the Thunder had a 12-game winning streak snapped Thursday by the Minnesota Timberwolves. They also beat the Clippers in the teams’ one meeting, a Nov. 21 overtime game in Oklahoma City.

But the choice was close, splitting the seven-man committee of USA TODAY Sports’ Sam Amick, Adi Joseph, Kevin Spain and Jeff Zillgitt; Hoopsworld.com’s Lang Greene and Steve Kyler; and the Detroit Free Press’ Vincent Ellis.

Here are the top five teams (points on a 30-29-28-etc. scale):

The MVP race also went the Thunder’s way. Kevin Durant edged LeBron James for a second consecutive week.

Here are the top five vote-getters (points on a 7-5-3-2-1 scale):

Also receiving votes were the Grizzlies’ Zach Randolph (three points), Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (two), Warriors’ David Lee (two) and Thunder’s Russell Westbrook (one).

The rookie of the year race continues to draw unanimous agreement. Here are the top three vote-getters (points on a 5-3-1 scale):

Also receiving votes were the Detroit Pistons’ Andre Drummond (five points), Cleveland Cavaliers’ Dion Waiters (two) and Warriors’ Harrison Barnes (one).

So how did we do this week?

… [For more on NBA power rankings: Unbeatable Clippers or elite Thunder?, click here.]