NBA Power Rankings: West Is Still Best

Dec 13, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball past Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Warriors defeated the Mavericks 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 13, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) argues a call with referee Ben Taylor (46) during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. The Warriors defeated the Mavericks 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

(17-8). Previous: . Dallas Mavericks. 7. team. 79. Let’s cut the Mavericks some slack. Though the league’s highest scoring offense went 1-2 in the last week, those two losses just so happened to come against quite possibly the league’s two best teams — the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors. <p> </p> <p>Where we can’t cut Dallas any slack is with their record against the best nine teams in the West: 2-5. When the Suns held that eighth spot, that record was an appalling 0-5. Until the Mavs solve their problems at point guard, which doesn’t seem likely unless Devin Harris suddenly finds another gear we’ve never seen before, Dallas might top out as a high-powered offense that can’t win a playoff series against an elite Western defense.</p>

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