Mavericks Survive a Shocking Collapse – How Did They Outlast Jokić’s Triple-Double Masterclass?
The Dallas Mavericks showcased resilience on Friday night, recovering from a 24-point collapse to secure a thrilling 123-120 victory over the Denver Nuggets in an NBA Cup West Group C matchup. Missing star player Luka Dončić, Dallas leaned on its depth and late-game heroics to improve to 2-1 in group play, while Denver was eliminated […]
The Dallas Mavericks showcased resilience on Friday night, recovering from a 24-point collapse to secure a thrilling 123-120 victory over the Denver Nuggets in an NBA Cup West Group C matchup. Missing star player Luka Dončić, Dallas leaned on its depth and late-game heroics to improve to 2-1 in group play, while Denver was eliminated from the tournament’s knockout stage.
Game Highlights
The Mavericks built a commanding 20-point halftime lead, only to see the Nuggets storm back behind a dominant performance from Nikola Jokić, who returned after a three-game absence. Jokić, celebrating the recent birth of his second child, delivered his sixth triple-double of the season with 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Despite Jokić’s heroics, Dallas regained composure in the final minutes, led by P.J. Washington, who scored nine crucial points in the closing 2:41. Washington finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Naji Marshall contributed a career-high 26 points.
Key Moments
Mavericks Dominate Early: Dallas surged ahead 77-53 early in the third quarter, taking advantage of Denver’s sluggish defense. Nuggets’ Comeback: Denver rallied to take a 113-108 lead late in the fourth quarter, fueled by clutch shooting from Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun.
Dallas Responds: The Mavericks launched an 11-2 run in the final minutes, capped by Dereck Lively II’s pivotal defensive stops, including back-to-back blocks on layup attempts by Jokić and Westbrook.
Westbrook’s shooting shines: Known for inconsistent three-point shooting, Westbrook hit an impressive 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, including three critical makes in the fourth quarter.
Takeaways
Dallas Mavericks:
– Demonstrated their depth, with seven players scoring in double figures.
– P.J. Washington stepped up in Dončić’s absence, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.
– Rookie center Dereck Lively II made a defensive impact, anchoring the paint with clutch blocks that shifted momentum late in the game.
Denver Nuggets:
– Despite Jokić’s brilliance, the team struggled to close out defensively in the final moments.
– Christian Braun continued his consistent play, scoring 17 points and maintaining his streak of double-digit scoring in every game this season.
Luka Dončić Injury Update
The Mavericks confirmed that Luka Dončić, sidelined with a right wrist sprain, will miss at least four games. While his absence is a significant setback, the team’s strong depth and balanced scoring were on full display in this contest.
What’s Next?
Dallas improves their chances of advancing in the NBA Cup but faces uncertainty without Dončić in the lineup. For Denver, the focus shifts to the regular season as their NBA Cup hopes are extinguished.
This game underscored the Mavericks’ determination and ability to rise to the occasion, even against an MVP-caliber performance from Nikola Jokić. With this win, Dallas solidifies itself as a serious contender in the West.
