Shorthanded Mavericks Fall to Nuggets After Squandering 19-Point Lead in First of Two Matchups: “It Feels Like It Snowballs”
The Dallas Mavericks (22-17) appeared poised for victory after a dominant start, but the Denver Nuggets (23-15) erased a 19-point deficit and surged late for a 112-101 win at the American Airlines Center on Sunday. Denver outscored Dallas 33-12 in the fourth quarter, led by Nikola Jokić and Russell Westbrook, who combined for a masterful closing effort.
“We got tired,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “The ball stuck a little bit, and when you put that much energy into both ends, it’s tough. They had the big fourth, just like we had the big first, and they pulled away there at the end.”
Westbrook tallied 21 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in his 1,200th career game, while Jokic delivered 19 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists, punishing the Mavericks inside and on the glass. Denver had six double scorers, including Jamal Murray (17 points), Michael Porter Jr. (13 points), Aaron Gordon (13 points), and Peyton Watson (10 points), each meeting the mark.
For Dallas, Klay Thompson led all scorers with 25 points, including six three-pointers. His sharp shooting helped the Mavericks build their early advantage and reach a significant personal milestone, surpassing 16,000 career points. Naji Marshall and Spencer Dinwiddie scored 16 each, while Dinwiddie dished out 10 assists. Dereck Lively II totaled 14 points, six rebounds, and eight assists with a pair of blocks. However, the team faltered when it mattered most.
“My teammates found me in rhythm, and I had some good looks,” Thompson said. “But to get outscored 33-12 in the fourth, that was tough to swallow. Luckily, we get another shot at them on Tuesday.”
The Mavericks’ bench struggled to make an impact, combining for just 22 points on 6 of 24 shooting compared to Denver’s 40. Coming off a 25-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, Jaden Hardy scored five points and struggled with efficiency, shooting just 1 of 7 from the field. Olivier-Maxence Prosper failed to score in his limited minutes, missing his only shot attempt. Quentin Grimes added three points on 1 of 4 shooting, while Maxi Kleber provided a modest six points, all from beyond the arc, but failed to contribute in other areas. Daniel Gafford also had a quiet night, finishing with six points on 2 of 7 shooting while pulling down three rebounds.
The lack of bench production highlighted Dallas’ depth issues, especially after halftime. However, even starter P.J. Washington had a tough night, finishing with six points on 3 of 9 shooting while pulling down just three rebounds. He’s been a player the Mavericks have relied on to elevate his game when one of their star players is sidelined, but he had an off night.
Meanwhile, Denver capitalized on the Mavericks’ rebounding woes, winning the battle on the glass 55-37, including a 15-8 advantage in offensive boards. The second-chance opportunities were instrumental in Denver’s comeback, as they outscored Dallas 27-8 in second-chance points overall.
A Blistering Start from the Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks stormed out of the gates with energy and precision, building a 32-17 lead after the first quarter. Thompson’s early shooting barrage set the tone, as he connected on multiple threes and navigated Denver’s defense easily. By halftime, he had 14 points and four made threes, matching the Nuggets’ total from beyond the arc.
“It feels good, but it didn’t feel good to go 0-for-4 from the arc after that, but like I said before, there are some good things to take away from this evening,” Thompson said. “My teammates were finding me in rhythm tonight. There’s definitely a few threes I wish I could have back. They were such great looks, and that’s the life we chose. You gotta watch film and be better.”
Marshall also provided an early spark, scoring seven points and dishing out two assists in the first quarter. His ability to push the pace and attack mismatches helped Dallas take control early. Meanwhile, Lively showcased his versatility with a career-high eight assists. His playmaking out of handoffs and paint touch balanced the Mavericks’ offense.
“I can’t believe D-Live’s only 20 years old,” Thompson said of Lively. “He’s just scratching the surface of what he can be. We’ve got a good synergy going right now, but there’s another level we can get to.”
Spencer Dinwiddie also played a critical role, finishing with 16 points and 10 assists for his first points-assist double-double since 2023. His ability to organize the offense and find shooters in transition allowed Dallas to maintain its rhythm, especially in the absence of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
“Being consistent in an inconsistent environment is tough,” Dinwiddie said. “Right now, I’m kind of getting the same type of looks over and over, and so you just kind of get into a certain rhythm playing that way. I think that’s true for any human being, really.”
Denver Nuggets’ Resilience
Despite Dallas’ strong start, Denver steadily chipped away at the lead by dominating the glass. The Nuggets hauled in 10 offensive rebounds in the first half, leading to an 18-2 advantage in second-chance points. By halftime, the Mavericks’ lead had been cut to 61-58, with Jokic and Westbrook beginning to impose their will.
“I would say, in general, we have two big-time bigs, and P.J. is a great rebounder as well,” Dinwiddie said. “They just got Gordon back, who is a phenomenal rebounder, and Jokić is obviously, arguably the best player in the league. So, I wouldn’t say that our team is an awful rebounding team. I think we just played a good rebounding team.”
Gordon provided a boost off the bench in 18 minutes, often getting into short range and using his jumper to hit a timely shot. His presence and Jokic’s orchestration of the offense kept Denver within striking distance. However, Dallas felt the offense left a lot to be desired in its execution down the stretch of this game.
The Mavericks regained some momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Denver 28-21 to extend their lead to 89-78 entering the final frame. Thompson continued to deliver, knocking down a timely three-pointer to halt a Denver run and converting tough jumpers off screens. Dinwiddie’s ability to probe the defense allowed Dallas to generate open looks, while Lively’s presence in the paint disrupted Denver’s rhythm.
“We were sticking to the game plan and moving the ball,” Dinwiddie said. “When you do that, you get good looks, and it gives you a chance to build a lead.”
However, as the Mavericks entered the fourth quarter, their offensive execution faltered. Kidd later noted the team’s inability to sustain energy and effort on both ends as Denver mounted its comeback.
“I think the ball stuck a little bit, and I think we got a little tired, which is expected when you put that type of energy on both ends, offense and defense,” Kidd explained. “But they had the big fourth, just like we had the big first.”
The Fourth-Quarter Collapse
The Nuggets seized control in the final frame, opening the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run to cut Dallas’ lead to two points. The Mavericks, who shot 10-of-15 from three in the first half, went ice-cold late, missing all 11 of their three-point attempts in the fourth quarter.
“A lot of it just comes down to missing shots,” Dinwiddie said. “That’s deflating when they’re going on their run. And then we have some open threes and some good looks. You knock a couple of those down, and it kind of stops that run and gives a different kind of shift to momentum. But when you miss those consecutively, it feels like snowballs.”
Jokic’s steady play proved decisive as he drew double-teams, scored inside, and found open teammates for critical baskets. A hook shot over Washington gave Denver its first lead of the game at 99-96 with just over four minutes remaining. Moments later, Jokic set up Westbrook for a cutting layup to extend the lead, and Watson delivered the dagger with a corner three-pointer.
“They executed,” Kidd said. “You know, Joker’s as good as they come—just being able to make the pass—and they knocked down shots. But we’ve got to be able to rebound the ball. They missed some that we could have come up with. Hopefully, on Tuesday, we can be better.”
Thompson, who had carried much of the scoring burden, struggled in the fourth quarter, going scoreless on four attempts. The Mavericks’ inability to create consistent looks late compounded their struggles, allowing Denver to complete the comeback.
Dallas Mavericks Have Positive Takeaways
While the loss stung, there were encouraging signs for Dallas to build upon. Lively’s passing ability was a standout feature. Kidd praised Lively’s decision-making and ability to facilitate the offense, even under pressure.
“For him to have eight assists, it’s a great job,” Kidd said of Lively. “He’s one of our better passers and quarterbacks that we trust. He’s a willing passer and did a great job today.”
Thompson reflected on the game, acknowledging the disappointment of the late collapse but finding optimism in the team’s ability to compete.
“Sometimes these are the games you remember the most,” Thompson said. “When you’re down and out, and your team’s not at full strength, but you will enough energy and effort to pull through. This one stings because it was right in our grasp.”
Kidd emphasized the importance of continuing to grow as a team during this challenging stretch. The Mavericks have an opportunity to regroup and make adjustments when they face the Nuggets again on Tuesday.
“This group is fighting,” Kidd said. “We’re seeing guys step up in bigger roles, and we’re learning more about ourselves. It’s a long season, and we’ve got to stay together through moments like this.”
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks and Nuggets will meet again on Tuesday night in Dallas, offering a quick chance for redemption. With Dončić and Irving still sidelined, Dallas must improve its late-game execution and maintain its defensive intensity for all four quarters.
“This was a tough one,” Thompson said. “But we’ll watch the film and be ready. We’ve got to clean up some things, especially in the fourth.”
