NBA Power Rankings Week 8: The Phoenix Suns are rising

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 31: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz drives into Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 31, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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79. . 13-14. Previous: 20th. Dallas Mavericks. 14. team

Last Week: Beat Minnesota Timberwolves 127-122, Beat Atlanta Hawks 118-117, Beat New Orleans Pelicans 143-130

This Week: 2/14 vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 2/17 vs. Detroit Pistons, 2/19 at Houston Rockets

After plenty of NBA fans were ready to pile dirt on the grave of the Dallas Maverick, they have reeled off four wins in a row and are back in the hunt for the postseason. Part of that is the schedule becoming slightly easier but that was always bound to happen. Even more importantly, the offense is getting increasingly on the same page.

Against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Mavericks almost blew a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter. The next game, facing off against the Atlanta Hawks, they came back to get a close win. The game against the Pelicans did not often involve the word close.

Something happens when the two All-Stars for the Dallas Mavericks play up to their potential. That something is often along the lines of complete dominance. Over the last week, Luka Doncic averaged 33.3 points, 9.0 assists, 8.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Kristaps Porzingis was not far behind at 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 52.0 percent on 8.3 3-point attempts per game.

There was a reason the Mavericks had such high preseason expectations and Doncic was considered the prohibitive favorite to be named MVP. While his place in the award race may have fallen by the wayside, the Mavericks are climbing back up the standings.