NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Chet Holmgren falls, new name enters top five
By Jaren Boslow
![Memphis Grizzlies v Dallas Mavericks Memphis Grizzlies v Dallas Mavericks](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5976,h_3361,x_0,y_21/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/83/01hh5q46v6vs4dfmpcpx.jpg)
The NBA has had a lot of scoring to begin this season, and it was no different for the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. They would go on to beat the Utah Jazz by 50 points, 147-97.
From tip-off, it was clear that the Mavericks were out to prove a point. They got off to a hot start shooting the ball from behind the arc, and jumped out to a double-digit lead early.
Luka Doncic led all scorers with 40 points and made history in the process. He became the first player in NBA history to have a 25-point triple-double by halftime. Doncic even unveiled a new look that fans could see more of going forward as he sported a headband.
NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Chet Holmgren falls, new name enters top five
Luka Dončić notched 29 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the first 25-point triple-double in a half in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/EntbetTG3T
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) December 7, 2023
Despite Doncic's historic night, other Mavs got involved in this blowout win. Kyrie Irving benefited alongside Doncic and dropped 26 points on the offensive end. On defense, Irving had three steals to help the Mavericks score easy points in transition.
Off the bench, Tim Hardaway Jr. played for the first time in over a week. He missed time due to a lower back injury, but it didn't affect him on Wednesday. Hardaway Jr. picked up right where he left off and cashed in 17 points.
Derrick Jones Jr. had a huge game on the defensive end. He would tally two blocks and a steal, and all night long, he pestered the Jazz's best offensive players. Offensively, Jones Jr. continued to showcase his hot shooting and nailed 12 points on efficient shooting.
Rookie Dereck Lively II even had a nice night with 10 points and two blocks. He once again showcased why he has become a valuable piece for the Mavericks moving forward. He and Doncic connected on multiple lob attempts throughout the first half.
Despite Lively II's hot week, is it enough to get him back in the top five of this week's Rookie Power Rankings?
10. Brandin Podziemski
Last week's rank: N/A
Podziemski is finally getting some respect. The Warriors may be having a disastrous start to the season, but Podziemski has become one of the Warriors' few bright spots.
9. Cason Wallace
Last week's rank: N/A
Wallace joins Chet Holmgren as the only other Thunder player on this list. His elite defense and insane shooting from deep grant him the number nine spot in this week's list.
8. Keyonte George
Last week's rank: 8
George remains at the eighth spot on this week's list. He could very well jump up if he gives another strong week of basketball.
7. Jordan Hawkins
Last week's rank: 3
Hawkins will have the largest drop-off in this week's list. After some DNPs and poor play by both the Pelicans and Hakwins, he will fall drastically. This could be just the usual rookie slump, but for now, he will sit at the seventh spot.
6. Dereck Lively II
Last week's rank: 7
Lively II will jump one spot in this week's Rookie Power Rankings. After a masterclass performance against fellow rookie Chet Holmgren, Lively II has reentered top-five discussions. Lively II's defense continues to take leaps and bounds in the right direction. Expect him to rise if he continues to play this well.