NBA Western Power Rankings Week 8: Clippers hang onto 4th
By Tom West
Dec 23, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dallas Mavericks point guard J.J. Barea (5) and Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) react against Brooklyn Nets point guard Shane Larkin (0) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. The Mavericks defeated the Nets 119-118 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
5th: Dallas Mavericks (33 points)
By Jeff Nisius
Record: 16-13
Last 10 games: 5-5
Dirk Nowitzki has turned back the hands of time, once again, putting up 17.3 points per game on 48.1 shooting from the field and an impressive 39.4 from three. His efficiency has been crucial, as Wesley Matthews has been up and down since his return from a torn achilles, while Chandler Parsons has struggled after micro-fracture surgery on his knee.
Still, the Mavericks are .500 on the road and are one of the NBA’s surprise teams this season. Perhaps DeAndre Jordan flipping on his decision to sign with the Mavericks wasn’t such a bad things after all. His “replacement”, Zaza Pachulia, is averaging a double-double (10.1 points and 10.5 rebounds) and is being paid a quarter of Jordan’s salary this year. The Mavericks look good and I think it’s safe to say their best basketball lies ahead if they can get healthy.
Next: Los Angeles Clippers