Denver Nuggets Defeat Dallas Mavericks 142-135

The Denver Nuggets opened a three-game homestand starting with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. The Nuggets defeated the Mavericks 142-135 at Ball Arena. Denver improved to 45-28 and has a three-game winning streak, while Dallas fell to 23-50 and has a five-game losing streak.

The Nuggets hosted Nurse Appreciation Night. The Nuggets’ special night honored nurses and healthcare workers for their service in the Denver metropolitan area.

In Case You Missed It

The Denver Nuggets edged the Phoenix Suns 125-123 at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Tuesday. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 17 assists. Jokic earned his 29th triple-double of the season. Devin Booker led the Suns with 22 points, three rebounds, and eight assists.

The Dallas Mavericks suffered an overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors 137-131 at the American Airlines Center on Monday. Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 32 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists. Moses Moody led the Warriors with 23 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Warriors named Brandin Podziemski as its Player of the Game. Podziemski recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Warriors congratulated Draymond Green. Green became the fourth-leading rebounder in franchise history with 6,417 rebounds.

Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks Starters

Denver’s starting lineup featured Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Spencer Jones, and Jokic. Denver ruled out Aaron Gordon (Grade 2 right hamstring injury management).

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Max Christie, Naji Marshall, Flagg, PJ Washington Jr., and Dwight Powell. Dallas ruled out Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Caleb Martin (right heel contusion), and Daniel Gafford (right shoulder contusion).

Nuggets vs. Mavericks Recap

Wednesday’s game showcased Dallas and one of its NBA rivals in Denver. This time around, a Dallas win is solely for bragging rights, but it’s fun for most, if not all, MFFLs to see Dallas beat Denver on the road.

Dallas took an early 11-7 lead to open the first quarter. Washington weaved through traffic to make a basket. Denver picked up the pace to take a 14-13 lead. Murray nailed a step-back three-pointer. Murray scored 15 first-quarter points to lead Denver’s surge. Denver took a 34-33 lead to end the first.

Both teams saw a slow start to the second quarter but shrugged off the sluggishness. Tyler Smith came off the Mavs’ bench to nail two corner three-pointers. Peyton Watson weaved past Flagg to make a shot. Dallas took a 44-40 lead past the midway mark, but Denver took a 68-59 lead into halftime.

Murray finished the first half with 33 points on 11-of-15 shooting from the field and six three-pointers. Murray’s opening half set the NBA record for first-half points by a Canadian with 33 points. Murray surpassed his own record of 32 points on Jan. 14, 2025.

Denver regained the lead in the third quarter. Johnson rocked the rim with a jam. Still, Dallas kept the game close. Washington jammed it home after Marshall’s shot attempt. Denver took a 111-100 lead through three quarters.

Dallas kept the game close in the fourth quarter but fell short. Christie shone with corner three-pointers. Murray followed up with his eighth three-pointer of the night. Denver won 142-135 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Denver Nuggets continue the homestand against the Utah Jazz on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Mountain. Denver can potentially beat Utah by utilizing Jokic, controlling the pace of the game, and leveraging their defense.

The Dallas Mavericks conclude the two-game road trip at the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Pacific. Dallas can potentially pull off an upset over Portland by executing the offense, increasing the defense, and showcasing their resilience.