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NBA Power Rankings Week 6: New faces in the top ten

By Jack Simone

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the second half of a game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on November 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Week 6 NBA Power Rankings: 12. Dallas Mavericks (10-8)

Rank last week: 9th

Last week: (1-2) – @ LAC (L), vs. LAC (W), vs. WAS (L)

Offensive rating: 107.2 (17th in NBA)

Defensive rating: 108.8 (19th in NBA)

By the numbers, the Dallas Mavericks should not be as good as they are this season. They are a below-average team both on offense and defense, according to advanced stats.

However, having a superstar as amazing as Luka Doncic will help nullify some of those statistical issues. He’s been incredible over the past week, averaging nearly 30 points a night.

In addition, Kristaps Porzingis has finally begun to find his groove. He’s going through a slump from behind the three-point line, but his scoring numbers are significantly up as of late.

A 1-2 week sees them fall in the NBA power rankings a bit, but they are still a couple of games above .500. Once Tim Hardaway Jr. breaks out his current slump, they should be able to put a run together.

Season outlook: With Doncic at the helm, the Mavs will always be a playoff team. Now, it’s just a matter of how far they can get in the postseason. So far this year, they are looking like a team that can make some noise and potentially  get to the second round.