The Dallas Mavericks opened December with an away game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, also Pride Night to honor the LGBTQ community. The Mavericks defeated the Nuggets 131-121 at Ball Arena. Dallas improved to 7-15, while Denver fell to 14-6.
In case you missed it, Cooper Flagg (18 years and 343 days) became the second-youngest player ever to score 30+ points in a game, trailing just LeBron James at 18 years and 334 days, on Saturday. Flagg’s accomplishment came just a day after becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record 10+ assists in a game.
Flagg, 18, finished with 35 points. The 18-year-old became the youngest player in NBA history to record 35+ points in a game. Flagg’s 35 points (13-22 from the field and 9-11 from the free throw line) was also the most points by any rookie this season.
Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks Starters
Monday’s game showed things can change in the blink of an eye. Last year, Denver beat the Mavericks in a closely contested battle. Fast forward to this year, where Denver is a playoff contender widely predicted to blowout the bottom-feeder Mavericks.
Denver’s starting lineup featured Jamal Murray, Cam Johnson, Spencer Jones, Peyton Watson and Nikola Jokic. Denver ruled out Christian Braun (ankle), Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Julian Strawther (lower back injury management).
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Ryan Nembhard, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Naji Marshall and Anthony Davis. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot) and Daniel Gafford (ankle).
Nuggets vs. Mavericks Recap
Monday’s game showcased an uneven matchup between a playoff contender and bottom-feeder, but the lopsided matchup showed energetic moments. Bruce Brown checked in for his 100th game as a Denver Nugget.
Denver jumped out to a fast start in the first quarter. Denver went on a 5-0 run before Dallas made a bucket. Denver’s strong offense overwhelmed a depleted Dallas squad. Spencer Jones had 14 points on 100% field goal shooting. Anthony Davis scored 17 points in 12 minutes, but Denver took a 41-27 lead to end the first.
Dallas went on a 14-9 run to open the second quarter. Ryan Nembhard got buckets, while Max Christie hit a corner three-pointer. Denver stayed the course but fell just short. Spencer Jones hit three straight three-pointers. Dallas took a 69-68 lead into halftime.
Denver regained the lead in the third quarter. However, Dallas fought to keep the score close. Ryan Nembhard picked up where he left off with back-to-back buckets. Nikola Jokic recorded a triple double. Denver took a 104-102 lead after three quarters.
Both teams battled in the fourth quarter. Anthony Davis reached the 30-point plateau. Nikola Jokic hit a three-pointer out of the inverted pick-and-roll with Tim Hardaway Jr. Hardaway Jr., 33, played for the Mavericks from 2019 and 2024. Dallas won in regulation.
Final Thoughts
Dallas returns home to host the Miami Heat on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Central, while Denver opens a four-game road trip at the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Central.
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