As we approach the halfway point of the season, the battle for the coveted NBA Sixth Man of the Year is heating up. While there were no new faces in last week's top five, the competition is still fierce, with each candidate showcasing their unique impact on their respective teams.

Remember, a successful 6MOTY candidate is not only about individual stats, but also improving the overall performance of the team. Let's dive into the top 5 contenders after Week 11:

5. Cole Anthony (Orlando Magic): The Magic have wowed the NBA world with an impressive 21-15 record and a fourth place finish in the Eastern Conference. Their bench engine, Cole Anthony, has been instrumental. Anthony is averaging 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 36 games and is the Orlando Magic's leading scorer and producer off the bench (fourth in the league in bench scoring).

4. Austin Reeves (Los Angeles Lakers): While the Lakers haven't lived up to expectations, Austin Reeves has been a revelation individually off the bench. He's averaging an impressive 15.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, and he's often been the lone bright spot on the Lakers' bench (19th in bench scoring). Their low scoring is more a result of the team's overall tactics and the poor play of other players.

3. Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings): Malik Monk was a key factor in the Kings' unexpected rise. Coach Brown's decision to bench him has paid off, as Monk is averaging 14.7 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game to fuel the Sacramento Kings' 11th ranked bench scoring lineup. The Kings are currently in 5th place in the Western Conference with a 21-14 record, and Monk's contributions are unquestionable.

2. Bogdan Bogdanovic (Atlanta Hawks): While the Hawks have yet to find form (12th in the East), Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a shining star. He's averaging 17.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game off the bench for the Atlanta Hawks, who rank 13th in bench scoring. While the team is struggling, Bogdanovic's individual performances have kept them in the playoff hunt.

1. Tim Hardaway Jr. (Dallas Mavericks): Despite losing his starting job to Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr. has embraced his new role as the Mavericks' sixth man, and it's a match made in heaven. In 30 games off the bench, he's averaging a career-high 17.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Dallas boasts the 5th best bench scoring lineup in the league (40.8 rebounds per game), thanks in large part to Hardaway's offensive firepower.

With the season still in full swing, the Sixth Man of the Year race will be a nail-biter. Who will come out on top and win the coveted title? Stay tuned!