/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72995849/1878721958.0.jpg)
The Dallas Mavericks’ defeat to the Houston Rockets on Friday night seemed to signal the team’s acceptance of their injury problems and the toll they are taking on those who fill in for them. Particularly for Luka Doncic, who is not only playing brilliantly but also logging the most minutes in his career.
However, the Mavericks keep going, dominating the majority of the inferior teams they encounter while they wait for their health to improve enough to challenge the front-runners. Here is this week’s Power Rankings Watch, a touch belated but still informative.
ESPN Ranking: 9
Last week: ten
It’s possible that Luka Doncic is having the best basketball season of his career right now, which is exactly what the injury-plagued Mavericks need. He has scored at least 30 points in 11 straight games, shattering his own franchise record. During that time, he played 39.5 minutes per game and averaged 35.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. He was heavily relied upon while other important Mavericks were out with injury, including Kyrie Irving, who has been out since December 8 due to a right heel strain. Dante Exum, who has averaged 16.1 points and 4.6 assists as a starter over the previous seven games to help Dallas go 5-2, is one member of the supporting cast who has stepped up.— MacMahon
Enjoy Dante Exum’s remarkable transformation from NBA exile to Dallas Mavericks starter.
NBA Rank: 9; Previous Week: 11
Three conclusions
The Mavs defeated the Lakers on Tuesday to move their record against teams using the rest advantage to 3-2. The Bucks are the other team with three victories in these situations. They were outscored by 32 points (56-24) in the restricted area, but Dante Exum went 7-for-9 (or 21-for-43, or 49%) from 3-point range. The Lakers lost their first game after leading after three quarters (11-0), and five of those seven baskets came in the fourth.
With Kyrie Irving out of the lineup, the Mavs are now 6-2 and have scored 120.1 points per 100 possessions in those eight games. Even with both Irving and Luka Doncic playing, they are still significantly better (plus-6.0 per 100) than they would have been without one of them.
On December 25, 1995, it is. Cheers to a Merry Christmas! We’re in Orlando for a replay of the championship match between the winners and the losers. (Or, as they like to be referred to, The Magic and the Rockets, who have won two titles.) There are eight seconds remaining in the scoring. For vengeance, the Magic must prevail. For respect, the Rockets must prevail. I just said that the Rockets are the defending champions, right? Doesn’t that warrant them some respect? Now let’s get started. Let’s go back in time.
VIEW MORE VIEW LESS
The greatest run of at least 30 points in a game in Doncic’s career has lasted 10 games. Despite seeing a significant decline in his free throw percentage from the previous season and a slight dip in his pull-up 3-point shooting percentage (31.5% over the last ten games), he is still recording the greatest true shooting percentage of his career (61.6%).
The Mavericks are one of seven teams that have a stronger road record (9-4) than their home record (7-5), and they started a run of seven games in ten away from home after their victory in Portland. Big games at Denver, Houston, Phoenix, Minnesota, and Golden State are among those in that period.
LINKED
Jason Terry is surpassed by Luka Doncic to take the sixth spot in Mavericks franchise scoring history.
Athletic Ranking: 12 (Playoff Teams, Tier 3)
Last week: ten
Holiday wish list: Kyrie Irving in good health.
Yes, I am aware of this. With his playing background, that would be asking for a Christmas miracle. And that’s too bad, since he’s incredibly funny and talented. However, I would like to witness this in action for a longer period of time when Kyrie and Luka Dončić are both on the floor at the same time. Together, they’ve had a successful recipe this season. When they play, they have a plus-6.0 net rating and a 10-6 record.
GET MORE NEWS HERE