The Denver Nuggets overcame a double-digit deficit with a dominant fourth-quarter performance to secure a 112-101 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
Nikola Jokic led Denver with 19 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. Russell Westbrook added 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Jamal Murray contributed 17 points. Aaron Gordon, returning after missing nine games, scored 13 points, and Michael Porter Jr. also tallied 13.
Fourth-Quarter Surge
Denver outscored Dallas 33-12 in the final period, opening the quarter with a 15-4 run to erase the Mavericks’ lead. After briefly falling behind 96-94, the Nuggets seized control, sparked by clutch plays from Westbrook and Jokic. Jokic’s hook shot and a pivotal three-pointer from Peyton Watson gave Denver a commanding 106-99 advantage with just over two minutes remaining.
Mavericks Without Doncic and Irving
The Mavericks played without stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, falling to 2-3 in games without their top scorers. Klay Thompson stepped up with 25 points, including five three-pointers, while Spencer Dinwiddie and Naji Marshall each added 16 points. Dereck Lively II contributed 14 points and eight assists.
Despite leading by as much as 17 in the third quarter, the Mavericks couldn’t sustain their momentum. Denver’s defense stifled Dallas in the fourth, limiting their scoring opportunities and securing a comeback win.
Season Series and Outlook
Denver now holds a 2-1 lead in the season series, with the next matchup scheduled for Tuesday in Dallas. The victory marks the Nuggets’ third consecutive win, strengthening their position as one of the NBA’s top teams.