NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Victor Wembanyama remains at No. 1 after historic numbers

On Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks headed to Sacramento to play the Kings in a must-win game. Fresh off a 115-105 win the night before over the Utah Jazz, the Mavericks were looking to extend their win streak to five games amid a five-game road trip.

After taking over in the first half, Luka Doncic finished the opening 24 minutes with 26 points and a five-point lead heading into the locker room. Dallas didn't look back and blew the doors off of the Kings by outscoring them 38-23 in the third quarter. Behind Doncic, the Mavericks would rally together to get their biggest win of the season, 132-96.

Throughout the first quarter, it became clear that P.J. Washington's shooting struggles had become a thing of the past by nailing three 3-point shots. The 25-year-old has shot horrendously since being acquired by Dallas, but over the last two games, Washington has turned it around.

NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Victor Wembanyama remains at No. 1 after historic numbers

Additionally, Kyrie Irving has played amazingly for Dallas and alongside Doncic. Against the Kings, Irving cashed in 24 points and became a huge contributor in the second half with multiple pull-up threes.

Having superstars like Doncic and Irving play so well alongside one another is one of the reasons Dallas has become a dangerous team in the West.

Since being moved to the bench, Dereck Lively II has blossomed into one of the Mavericks' key contributors. Lively II has often become one of the main defensive anchors off the bench and is constantly called upon to open the game up with his savvy rolls to the bucket. How will moving to the bench fair for Lively II in this week's Rookie Power Rankings, let's take a look.

10. Ausar Thompson

Last rank: 8

Unfortunately for Pistons fans, Ausar Thompson will miss the remainder of the season with a concerning blood clot. Despite this recent news, Thompson has emerged as one of the Pistons' best young forwards.

9. Trayce Jackson-Davis

Last rank: N/A

Trayce Jackson-Davis has lit up the stat sheet since being turned into a starter for the Golden State Warriors. Although the Warriors have reached a roadblock in their season, Jackson-Davis has been nothing but positive all season long.

8. Keyonte George

Last rank: 6

The Utah Jazz have fallen victim to a late-season slump, but both their rookies, including Keyonte George, have emerged as starters. George has become a dynamic scorer and is now an effective passer since coming into the league.

7. Brandin Podzeimski

Last rank: 4

This two-week stretch for the Warriors and Brandin Podziemski has been a rough one. Both Podziemski and the Warriors need to turn their fortunes around if they wish to see the Play-In Tournament.

6. Amen Thompson

Last rank: 10

Amen Thompson becomes this week's highest riser, with multiple great performances. The former Overtime Elite star has emerged as one of the best rookies of his class after a slow start to his rookie season. Thompson has also become one of the key reasons Houston sits just one game back of the tenth seed in the West.