NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Jamie Jaquez Jr. surges after strong week, who falls?

After dropping five of their last six games, the Mavericks are finally back on track and have garnered two wins in a row. After impressively defeating the Miami Heat on Thursday night, the Mavericks headed to Detroit to play the Pistons.

Against the Pistons, the Mavericks proved why energy and effort were the teams' Achilles heel during their 1-5 stretch. The Mavericks held a comfortable lead all night long, but after a scuffle broke out between Detroit's Jalen Duren and Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, the team took it into their own hands and blew out the Pistons 142-124.

Not only did the Mavs rely on their team chemistry to get their second straight win, but they also relied on the brilliance of Luka Doncic to beat the Pistons. Against Detroit, Doncic recorded his sixth straight 30-point triple-double and made history in the process. Doncic became the first player to record six straight 30-point triple-doubles in NBA history, surpassing the likes of Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson.

NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Jamie Jaquez Jr. surges after strong week, who falls?

In addition to Doncic's insane game, Mavericks center Daniel Gafford also proved why he can be the starting center going forward. Gafford recorded four blocks and 17 points while also being a menace in the pick and roll with Doncic.

Despite Gafford's impressive showing, rookie center Dereck Lively II has struggled as of late. It's unclear what the reason is, but over his last three games, Lively II has only managed to score eight points.

Against the Indiana Pacers, Lively II arguably had his worst game of the season by only playing 16 minutes on unimpressive stats. How will Lively II's recent struggles reflect on his rookie rankings? Let's take a look.

10. Amen Thompson

Last rank: N/A

As of recently, Amen Thompson has played the best basketball of his career. After riding the bench his first few months in the NBA, Thompson has carved out a pivotal role in Houston and has proven to be a building block moving forward.

9. Cam Whitmore

Last rank: 6

Cam Whitmore has struggled over the last two weeks, but despite dropping in numbers, the Rockets have managed to garner a few wins. Whitmore carved out a pivotal role for the Rockets, but after recent struggles and Amen Thompson surging, he has dropped a few spots.

8. Ausar Thompson

Last rank: 8

For the first time this season, both of the Thompson twins are in the top 10. Ausar Thompson has played well recently, and his play has turned into a couple of wins for the Pistons. They are now on track to get out of the last place spot in the East, and it's in large part due to Thompson.

7. Dereck Lively II

Last rank: 5

Dereck Lively II's recent struggles are somewhat concerning for Dallas fans. However, fans shouldn't worry because of his recent injury bug. Lively II has dealt with a broken nose for most of February and has had multiple ankle injuries.

6. Keyonte George

Last rank: 9

Keyonte George becomes this week's highest riser, and it's in large part due to his recent scoring surge. If George continues scoring at this rate, he will find himself inside the top five conversations.