Dallas Mavericks climb up Power Rankings: How high did they go?
By Tyler Watts
The Dallas Mavericks missed a week of action because of severe weather across Texas but returned for their final six games before the All-Star. Superstar Luka Doncic stayed hot as Dallas won three of four last week to push their way back to .500. They are searching for two wins to close out the first half of the season strong.
The recent hot streak has moved the Mavericks to ninth in the Western Conference, but they are just 2.5 games out of fifth. Dallas still has plenty of time to make a move and get back in the postseason hunt. They are looking to avoid the play-in by performing above expectations in the second half.
The Mavs have won seven of their last nine games as the team is coming alive. Where do they sit in the NBA Power Rankings? Are they moving up? Can Dallas regain a position in the top ten? Let us take a closer look at three sets before discussing what the Mavericks need to do to keep climbing.
Dallas Mavericks move up in NBA Power Rankings
The Athletic’s rankings (subscription required) vaulted Dallas up to 11th because of their recent hot play. Bleacher Report pushed them from 17th to 13th this week with notes on their defensive improvements. ESPN’s Power Rankings only moved the Mavs up one spot to 15th.
The Mavericks are positioned nicely to continue climbing up the rankings. They are fully healthy and just starting to fire on all cylinders. Kristaps Porzingis needs to return to his All-Star form, but Saturday’s win over the Nets was a positive first step. Luka Doncic will keep playing at an MVP level. The Mavs role players need to step up on both ends of the floor to make Dallas a top ten team.
The best is yet to come from the Dallas Mavericks this season, so fans should stay tuned.