The Dallas Mavericks have been surging as of late after having won four out of their last five games with their only loss coming via a nailbiter versus the high-powered Golden State Warriors. Part of the reason for the Mavs' recent success has been the stellar play of rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr.

Needless to say, Smith Jr.'s performance all year has caught the eye of players and coaches around the league. Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg even referred to him as one of the most explosive point guards in the entire NBA, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

“I absolutely love the kid. He’s as explosive as any point guard in the league.”

As good as Dennis Smith Jr. has been for the Mavs throughout the 2017-18 NBA season, he had a bit of a tough stretch upon his return from a hip injury he had suffered in early December. Although it was not deemed to be serious, the Mavs took precaution with the rookie by keeping him out for six games.

Following a solid outing against the Detroit Pistons in his return, Smith Jr. endured four straight single-digit scoring performances. Fortunately, he managed to end the year with a bang against the New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City by scoring 40 points and dishing out 16 assists in the two games combined.

That said, Dennis Smith Jr. is no longer sneaking up on anyone in the league, let alone Hoiberg. Both teams will be looking to get back into the win column after recently managing to turn things around following a disastrous start to the year.