Dallas Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr. had his best game as a rookie on Tuesday, as he exploded for a career-high 27 points and six rebounds against one of the toughest defensive teams in the league in the San Antonio Spurs.

His career-best effort also got him on the franchise record books, becoming the youngest member of the Mavs to ever record 25 points and five rebounds in a game.

The 19-year-old point guard has been steady this month, scoring in double figures in each game, despite only converting in more than 50 percent of his field goals in three of his first 13 games thus far.

Dennis Smith Jr. is perhaps the most athletic specimen from this draft class, gifted with sky-walking abilities that hadn't been seen at the position since the likes of Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose, or going even further back — Steve Francis and Baron Davis.

The North Carolina State point guard was considered the dark horse pick to win the Rookie of the Year award after being selected with the ninth overall pick by the Mavs.

The Mavs are at the cellar of the Western Conference at 2-13, but with enticing averages of 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists for the rookie speed demon, there can't be nothing but encouragement in what the future may hold for this struggling franchise.