NBA Western Power Rankings Week 5: Thunder thrive, Grizzlies rise
By Tom West
Nov 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) celebrates making a three point shot against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Nuggets 92-81. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
4th: Dallas Mavericks (35 points)
By Jeff Nisius
Record: 11-8
Record last week: 1-2
The Mavericks are riding a hot shooting Dirk Nowitzki (50.9 FG percentage, 46.6 3PT percentage and 89.8 FT percentage) once again. What he is doing at age 37 is unbelievable, especially after a down season last year. Additionally, Zaza Pachulia has been a godsend nearly averaging a double-double on the season.
Unfortunately, the Mavs have begun to slip, losing four of their last five games and have slid to the 5th seed, despite being 11-8.
On a brighter side of things, Wesley Matthews is off his minute restriction and Chandler Parsons is now playing near 25 minutes per game. If the Mavs can keep those two healthy and they continue to progress on the floor, the team looks somewhat formidable. However, that also requires Deron Williams to stay healthy, Dwight Powell to continue having a breakout sophomore campaign and Dirk to continue to shoot the lights out.
Next: Oklahoma City Thunder