Dallas Mavericks Squeak Out 131-130 Win Over Denver Nuggets

The Dallas Mavericks played the second game of a back-to-back set against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. The Mavericks defeated the Nuggets 131-130 at the American Airlines Center. Dallas improved to 12-18 and snapped a two-game losing skid, while Denver fell to 20-7.

The Mavs’ theme night, the Holiday Game, was a success. Fans kicked off the holiday season by ringing it in with the Mavs. The team’s mascot, Champ, rocked a Santa Claus costume before throwing t-shirts to multiple lucky fans.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets Starters
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Ryan Nembhard, Jaden Hardy, Cooper Flagg, Naji Marshall and Anthony Davis. Dallas ruled out Dante Exum (knee), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), Klay Thompson (knee), Dwight Powell (illness), Max Christie (illness) and PJ Washington Jr. (foot).

Denver’s starting lineup featured Jamal Murray, Cam Johnson, Spencer Jones, Peyton Watson and Nikola Jokic. Denver ruled out Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Christian Braun (ankle), and Tamar Bates (foot).

Mavericks vs. Nuggets Recap
Tuesday night’s game featured budding rivals with recent playoff encounters, along with strong performances. Most recently, the 2023 and 2024 Western Conference semifinals.

Dallas made an early bucket to start the first quarter. Denver quickly responded with a bucket of its own to tie the game 2-2. Nikola Jovic made three three-pointers. However, Dallas’ 14-2 run sparked the tempo of the first. Anthony Davis shined with a one-handed dunk. Dallas took a 41-27 lead to end the first.

Cooper Flagg led the Mavs with 14 points in the first quarter. Flagg’s 14 points tied for the highest-scoring quarter of his career. Previously, Flagg had 14 first-quarter points against the Utah Jazz on Dec. 15. Davis added 10 points in the first, as the two combined for 24 points.

Dallas started the second quarter on a high note. Flagg danced through the defenders for a tough bucket. Denver made a three-pointer to cut Dallas’ lead by 10. Jokic missed a buzzer-beater three-pointer. Dallas took a 66-56 lead into halftime.

Both teams started the third quarter slow but sped up. Jokic drew his second foul as Davis made both of his free throws. Dallas went on a 15-0 run. Tim Hardaway Jr. — the son of Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway — made his sixth three-pointer to cut Dallas’ lead and then his seventh three. Both teams tied 103-103 through three quarters.

Both teams moved past a slow start in the fourth quarter. Cam Johnson suffered an injury after showing pain and limping off the court to the Nuggets’ locker room. Denver tied the game 121-121. Daniel Gafford’s slam dunk put the Mavs up 123-121. Both teams exchanged three-pointers to keep the game close. Dallas won 131-130 in regulation.

Final Thoughts
Dallas hits the road to face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, also known as Christmas Day, at 2 p.m. Pacific. Dallas and Golden State’s game might be emotional due to Klay Thompson’s latest return to the Bay Area.

Denver returns home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, a.k.a. Christmas Day, at 8:30 p.m. Mountain. Denver and Minnesota’s game may be a thriller because both squads are two of the hottest teams in the NBA.