5 non-playoff teams having a strong finish to the 2016-17 NBA season

By Kareem Gantt | Apr 9, 2017

Feb 14, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during a NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) reacts after scoring a basket in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Mavericks won 109-105. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki, the face of the franchise since the earth first started spinning on its axis, is on his last legs. But the talent that has been assembled in Big D should not be overlooked by no one.

Harrison Barnes has proven himself to be a capable first option, the backcourt of Yogi Ferrell and Seth Curry is solid, and Nerlens Noel could develop into the defensive anchor that the Mavs really need.

Dallas needs to decide what it wants to do with Wesley Matthews (we’re not going to sugarcoat it, he has been a tremendous disappointment ever since he has landed in Dallas), but if they can swing a good deal for him, the Mavs may be right back in the thick of things in the West.

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