The Mavericks were never given much of a chance to make some noise for the current NBA season, but somehow they have managed to prove their detractors wrong.

Dallas is in fifth place of the Western Conference standings with an 11-9 record which is a far cry from pre-tournament billing where most believed that the team would struggle throughout the season.

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Head coach Rick Carlisle has of course magnificently made the necessary tweaks despite the fact that most of his main players are hurting. That list includes Chandler Parsons, Wes Matthews, JaVale McGee and even Deron Williams.

So how are they surviving?

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One thing that is obvious, the leaner rotation has provided the other guys more opportunities to shine. Guys like Parsons still get to play, but on limited minutes since they want to ensure that their players get back to form properly.

Frustrating as it may be, Parsons admits that they just have to follow the process. And if all goes well, all the key players mentioned above should be healthy at some point and one can just imagine how the Mavs will fare with a 100 percent healthy lineup.

“I think once our team is full strength with, you know, Wes feeling great, D-Will feeling great, JaVale McGee getting back and me playing full minutes, we're going to be a really good team," Parsons said during a recent talk over KESN-FM 103.3 as reported through the Dallas News.

For the meantime, the healthy players like the ageless Dirk Nowitzki will have to hold fort and the German hotshot seems to be enjoying it as seen in the team's 115-112 overtime victory over the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

So far it has been working for the wards of coach Carlisle and hopefully their roster ramps up soon with more healthier marquee players returning from sick bay.

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