What to watch for from every NBA team in the second half

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against Kyrie Irving #11 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

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Dallas Mavericks: The return of All-Star Kristaps Porzingis

Amid new surroundings and more than a year-long absence, Kristaps Porzingis has not been shy about the struggles he’s been through so far this season.

In the month of February, however, the former All-Star has performed at that level across five games, averaging 27.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game on a shooting line of .500/.400/.902.

Most of that elite production came in the absence of Luka Doncic, who missed seven straight with an ankle injury.

With both, however, in the lineup against Sacramento, Porzingis still dropped 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting to go with 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks, while Doncic posted 33 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.

At 33-22, the Dallas Mavericks are less than two games out of the No. 5 seed in the NBA’s Western Conference, and that was achieved with Porzingis mostly still working his way back into form.

His numbers and efficiency will likely see a dip moving forward, but if Porzingis has rediscovered his past self now more than two years removed from his ACL injury, the Mavericks’ dynamic duo is finally whole, and their playoff outlook improved significantly.