NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Rockets' Cam Whitmore rises with stellar play, who falls?

The Dallas Mavericks are now on a seven-game winning streak after their most recent victory over the Phoenix Suns by a score of 123-113. A lot of narratives were riding on this post-All-Star break game, considering this would be the final time the two teams would face off.

With Dallas taking the tie-breaking game over the Suns, they now control the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Both Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic took the game into their own hands and combined for 70 points in the winning effort.

Doncic finished the game with a near 40-point triple-double and had some impressive defensive possessions down the stretch to help the Mavs win. Irving even took the game over at times while Doncic sat on the bench. His 29-point contribution was clutch throughout the third quarter.

NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Rockets' Cam Whitmore rises with stellar play, who falls?

Newcomer PJ Washington also had a fine game, as he finished with 12 points and six rebounds. Washington constantly pestered Suns forward Kevin Durant and held him to 23 points on poor efficiency. Washington's defense has been a huge plus for the team on their current win streak.

With rookie Dereck Lively II back after a multiple-week absence due to a broken nose, the Mavericks have been at near full strength. The length between him and Daniel Gafford has made it hard for any opponent to get easy shots above them and grab easy rebounds.

A question fans had going into the game against the Suns was who would get the starting nod between Gafford and Lively II. Lively II would end up getting the start over Gafford and proved why he can potentially be the starter going forward.

Lively II finished with just five points but had a massive contribution on the defensive end. With this in mind, let's see where Lively II ranks in this week's Rookie Power Rankings.

10. Scoot Henderson

Last week's rank: 10

Unfortunately, Scoot Henderson missed the Trail Blazers' most recent game against the Timberwolves, which is why he will not move up in this week's rankings.

9. Keyonte George

Last week's rank: 8

Keyonte George and the Utah Jazz have struggled in recent weeks and have fallen to just 26-31. They have now lost five in a row, and their trade deadline moves are a large reason why. If George and the Jazz can turn it around soon, expect him to rise on this list.

8. Ausar Thompson

Last week's rank: 9

Detroit's recent two-game winning streak helped them get past the six-game win mark on the season. Ausar Thompson has become a critical part of the Pistons' future going forward.

7. Jamie Jaquez Jr.

Last week's rank: 6

Despite dropping in this week's rankings, Jamie Jaquez Jr. has rebounded nicely after struggling his first few games back from injury. He has been vital in helping Miami win four of their last five.

6. Cam Whitmore

Last week's rank: 7

Cam Whitmore is knocking on the door of the top five. If he has yet another great week of basketball, expect his name to rise in the coming weeks.