OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings week 10 – All-Star break edition

Dallas Mavericks:

Week 10: 3-1
Won vs: Grizzlies 102-92,  Celtics 110-107, Nets 115-98
Lost to: 76ers 97-111

Opponents this week: Magic, OKC Thunder

Offensive Rating: 112.5 (12th) | Defensive Rating: 113.3 (25th)  | Net Differential: -08 (19th)

Although the Warriors have a better record and rank higher defensively the opponents the Mavericks beat pushes them into the top 10 this week.

Defense is still a very real problem for Rick Carlisle’s squad although there are definite signs of improvement. The Mavericks coach took advantage of the eight-day hiatus when games were postponed due to the weather to get in extra practice and film time.

In week 10 the team realized the benefits of those efforts posting the third-best defensive rating (104.1).  Granted it’s a small sample size but accomplishing that rating versus teams like the Nets, Celtics, and Grizzlies is a definite move in the right direction.

As the Mavericks close out the first half the focus will be continuing to improve defensively and getting Kristaps Porzingis on the floor consistently.

Rumors of the big man potentially being on the trade block surfaced when he was once again off the court due to injury (back tightness). Owner Mark Cuban was quick to quell those whispers. That doesn’t mean Donnie Nelson and the Mavericks aren’t shopping him but we’ll have to wait for the deadline to see if Cuban was serious.

While the Mavs are still one piece away from being serious contenders some of their ‘others’ have impressed with Jalen Brunson reminding of a young Kyle Lowry.