NBA Western Power Rankings Week 3: Warriors storm ahead

Nov 16, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) reacts to a three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Mavericks won 92-86. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

3rd: Dallas Mavericks (48 points)

By Jose Salviati

Record: 7-4

Record last week: 3-1

The Mavericks are a mystery. When I punched in all the necessary numbers into my ranking spreadsheet and noticed the Mavs up near the top I had to recheck my formulas. I was shocked to see that there were no mistakes. The Mavs, so far, are winning. Led once again by Dirk Nowitzki the Mavericks have come out of the gates strong. Deron Williams isn’t reminding anyone of the point guard with amazing potential that he once was in Utah, but he looks to be more comfortable than in Brooklyn. Even Zaza Pachulia, who was a last minute desperation find after the Mavs lost out on some other free agent center whose name escapes me at the moment, is averaging almost a double-double with 9.9 points and 9.6 rebounds.

Now all we have to figure out is which Mavs team is this going to be long term. The team that lost to the surprisingly bad Pelicans to start the week, or the balanced team that beat the Clippers? Wins against the Lakers and Houston on the road rounded out a good week for the surprising Mavericks who are proving, for now, that they have earned their high ranking.

Next: San Antonio Spurs