Fansided

NBA Power Rankings: Who is headed for rock bottom?

By Ian Levy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz talk in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz talk in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on November 24, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on November 24, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

team. 79. . 9-9. Previous: 16th. dallas Mavericks. 14

The Mavericks have really turned things around of late, winning seven of their last nine games going back to Nov. 6. Obviously, Luka Doncic has been sensational and the foundation of this surge, but the team is also doing a better job of putting him in positions to succeed, particularly with regards to lineups and rotations.

Dallas has been outscored by 5.5 points per 100 possessions when Dennis Smith Jr. and Doncic are on the floor together. However, of this stretch that pairing has been on the floor together less often — in their first nine games, they were averaging 26.9 minutes per game together, over their last nine that has been cut to 23.7 minutes per game. That may seem like a small change, but every little bit helps and it’s allowed Dallas to surround Doncic and his playmaking ability with more shooting.

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