In an electrifying NBA Cup game, the Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Denver Nuggets in a thrilling matchup that left fans on the edge of their seats. Naji Marshall shined bright, scoring a career-high 26 points, while P.J. Washington dominated with 22 points and 13 rebounds, leading the Mavericks to a 123-120 victory despite blowing a massive 24-point lead.
The absence of superstar Luka Doncic did not deter Dallas as they built a commanding 20-point halftime lead. However, the Nuggets clawed their way back into the game, taking a five-point lead late in the fourth quarter before Washington erupted for nine crucial points in the final minutes to secure the win. With this victory, the Mavericks improved their record to 2-1 in the West Group C, while Denver was eliminated from the knockout round.
Doncic’s absence loomed large as it was revealed he would be sidelined for at least four games with a right wrist sprain, leaving his teammates to step up in his absence. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic made a triumphant return from a three-game absence, recording his sixth triple-double of the season with a stellar performance of 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jokic’s remarkable play was a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.
Russell Westbrook also made his presence felt, contributing 16 points for the Mavericks in a hard-fought contest. Despite Dallas holding a comfortable 77-53 lead early in the third quarter, the Nuggets mounted an impressive comeback to take a 113-108 lead late in the game. However, the Mavericks rallied back with an 11-2 run to reclaim the lead at 119-115 with just 50 seconds remaining, ultimately sealing the victory.
The Mavericks showcased their depth and resilience without their star player, with seven players scoring in double figures to make up for Doncic’s absence. On the other side, Christian Braun led the Nuggets with 17 points, maintaining his streak as the only player to score in double figures in every game this season. Jokic also continued his impressive scoring streak, reaching double digits in every game he has played.
As the game hung in the balance with the score tied at 113 late in the fourth quarter, Dereck Lively II came up clutch with back-to-back blocks on Jokic and Westbrook to swing the momentum in favor of the Mavericks. Westbrook, known for his prowess on the court, surprised fans by shooting an impressive 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, including all three of his 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.
In the end, the Mavericks emerged victorious in a thrilling game that showcased their resilience, depth, and ability to overcome adversity. With standout performances from Marshall, Washington, and the rest of the team, Dallas proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the NBA Cup. The Nuggets may have fallen short, but the stellar play of Jokic and Braun provided hope for the team’s future. Both teams put on a show for the fans, delivering a memorable contest that will be remembered for years to come.
