NBA Bubble Power Rankings 2: More games, more change

Last Week: Lost to Lakers 116-108, Beat Memphis 124-115, Lost to San Antonio 119-111, Lost/2OT to Denver 134-132
This Week: Monday vs. Dallas, Thursday vs. San Antonio

The Utah Jazz felt like they were just looking forward to moving into the playoffs, regardless of what their seeding was. They played against the Spurs without all of their starters, so that loss was to be expected.

A playoff atmosphere was the only way to describe their overtime thriller against the Nuggets. Although they lost, it had to give Jazz fans some confidence as they inch closer to the postseason.

Mike Conley was looking solid again. Rudy Gobert was good early, though he came up short in the fourth quarter. But none of that matters because that was time for Donovan Mitchell to take over the game.

Much will be made of the run in the final seconds, erasing a five-point deficit in the final 10 seconds all on his own. Mitchell finished the game with 35 points and did everything he could to get the win for his team. Ultimately it was not meant to be, but it may have been the best the Jazz looked for far.

With only two games left in the seeding portion of the schedule, the Jazz find themselves tied for the sixth seed. If nothing changes between now and the end of these games, we will get a first-round series between the Jazz and the Nuggets. If Saturday’s game was any indication, that is something all fans should be rooting for.

Last Week: Lost to Phoenix 117-115, Beat/OT Sacramento 114-110, Lost to Clippers 126-111, Beat/OT Milwaukee 136-132
This Week: Monday vs. Utah, Tuesday vs. Portland, Thursday vs. Phoenix

For a team that has struggled in close games this year, getting two overtime victories this week is good medicine for the young Dallas Mavericks. While the one against the Kings may have been sweet since it was their first bubble victory, nothing gets bigger than beating the Milwaukee Bucks.

This was a game the Bucks were trying to win. Watching two of the bright young MVP candidates in the league going at each other was something to behold. Giannis Antetokounmpo went off for 34 points and 13 rebounds. Brook Lopez poured in 34 points as well.

Not to be outdone, the Mavericks’ All-Star duo were just a little better. Kristaps Porzingis had 26 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out. Luka Doncic added to his league-leading triple-double tally, putting up 36 points, 19 assists and 14 rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith stepped up as well, tallying 27 points and 11 rebounds.

The Mavericks are on a historic offensive pace and will be a joy to watch in the playoffs. The expected match up against the Clippers is unlikely to be something the young team will relish but there is nothing wrong with getting your lumps and showing out. As Doncic and Porzingis continue to grow as a duo, the fans can come to expect more classics like Saturday night.