Last week: Lost to Clippers 114-99, won at Phoenix 120-113
This week Sunday at Lakers, Tuesday at New Orleans, Wednesday vs. Minnesota, Saturday vs. New Orleans
The Dallas Mavericks had a five-game winning streak ended with their loss at home to the Clippers on Tuesday, but got back on the winning track in their next game, taking a 120-113 win at Phoenix on Friday.
But Dallas is still well ahead of last year’s pace as the Mavericks try to return to the postseason for the first time in four years. The Mavs will get the struggling Pelicans twice this week along with a visit to the Lakers — who beat them in overtime at Dallas on Nov. 1.
Their start has been pretty remarkable, considering Kristaps Porzingis — a former All-Star in New York — is shooting just 39.8 percent thus far, while hitting 34.9 percent on 6.2 3-point attempts per game.
Second-year man Luka Doncic continues to fuel Dallas’ attack, last week scoring 64 points with 17 rebounds, 17 assists and four steals over 72 minutes in the Mavs’ two games last week. Doncic matched his career-high with 42 points in the victory over the Suns.
Last week: Won at San Antonio 114-104, won at New Orleans 114-110, beat Washington 125-103
This week: Sunday vs. Dallas, Tuesday at Denver, Wednesday at Utah, Friday at Portland
The streak is now at 10 straight victories for the Los Angeles Lakers after another unblemished week. The Lakers swept two road games before blasting the Wizards after returning home.
This week, Los Angeles will play the elevated back-to-back — road games at Denver and Utah on consecutive nights can often leave a team literally gasping for air because of the altitude.
Avery Bradley is due to be re-evaluated for his stress reaction in his leg. Bradley has missed the Lakers’ last eight games overall. He had started nine of L.A’s first 11 games.
Anthony Davis wasn’t quite efficient, but he put up some big numbers last week. In three games, Davis averaged 28.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.7 steals in 32.4 minutes per game. Davis shot 46.9 percent overall and was 3-for-12 (25.0 percent) at the foul line.