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NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings, Week 5: Luka Doncic holds firm

By Jerran Anderson

DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 14: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a shot against the Utah Jazz in the second half at American Airlines Center on November 14, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 14: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a shot against the Utah Jazz in the second half at American Airlines Center on November 14, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images /

Just about a month into the 2018-19 NBA season, check out which rookies from this year’s class are making waves in their debut season.

The 2018-19 NBA season is just over a month in and the rookies are beginning to find their bearings as the 82-game schedule becomes routine for them. There haven’t been any 30-point performances recently, but some rookies are putting in work nonetheless.

The Rookie of the Year race is heating up as there’s some movement among the top few spots. Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is still on top, but below him, Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton is making moves.

While there are some rookies that didn’t make the list, there are always one or two that turn a few heads. Los Angeles Clippers guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is another rookie that is climbing the ranks this week. He’s injected new life into the Clippers’ starting rotation, as they’ve won in three of his last four starts.

SGA has put up 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per game since being inserted into the starting lineup. In an overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors, on Monday night, he recorded 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting along with five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. His contributions won’t earn him Rookie of the Year honors (yet), but he’s beginning to find his niche as a point guard in the NBA.