NBA Power Rankings Week 3: Are the Golden State Warriors back?

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by teammates after he made a three-point basket against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center on January 04, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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Dallas Mavericks. 15. team. 79. . 5-4. Previous: 15th

Last Week: Lost to 118-108 Chicago Bulls, Beat Houston Rockets 113-100, Beat Denver Nuggets 124-117, Beat Orlando Magic 112-98

This Week: 1/11 vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 1/13 at Charlotte Hornets, 1/15 at Milwaukee Bucks

The Dallas Mavericks are slowly figuring out how to play together, only dropping one game this week when Luka Doncic sat out. In the three games he did play, Doncic averaged 32.7 points, 13.3 rebounds, 10.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game.

The fact that the Mavericks are able to do this without Kristaps Porzingis is telling. As good as Maxi Kleber has looked at times, the differences between the two are stark. So many times lobs will bounce off his or Willie Cauley-Steins hands. That does not happen with Porzingis. He will also bring spacing to the floor that will open up even more driving lanes for Doncic and Josh Richardson. Now is a good time to mention that the Mavericks believe he will be returning soon.

Dallas is far from a complete team but the players are starting to fit. The role players are perfect for the team when both stars are healthy and sufficient when it is just Doncic. They have assets to trade if they decide to accelerate that process, especially now that a certain reigning MVP seems to be off the table. Until a move is made, just sit back and watch the Luka Doncic show.