DENVER – In a thrilling matchup on Sunday night, Michael Porter Jr. nailed a mid-range jumper with just seven seconds remaining, securing the Denver Nuggets’ fifth consecutive victory with a final score of 122-120 against the Dallas Mavericks.

Nikola Jokic delivered an outstanding performance, amassing 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists, marking his fourth consecutive triple-double and his impressive sixth of the season, leading the league. Jamal Murray contributed with 18 points, while Porter added 17 to the Nuggets’ total.

For the Mavericks, Kyrie Irving shone with a season-high 43 points. Luka Doncic supported the effort with 24 points, and Daniel Gafford rounded out the scoring with 16 points.

The Mavericks trailed by three at the start of the final quarter, but Irving quickly turned the tide by hitting three consecutive 3-pointers, granting Dallas a 105-102 lead with 8:46 remaining. Both teams exchanged baskets, maintaining a tight scoreline down the stretch. Irving managed a bank shot that gave Dallas a 120-118 edge with just 1:39 left, but Jokic answered quickly with a tip-in to tie the game, leading to Porter’s decisive jump shot. Irving’s desperate 3-point attempt at the buzzer fell short.

Dallas found themselves down by ten points midway through the first quarter but rallied to outscore the Nuggets by nine points in the second quarter, taking a slim 63-60 lead into halftime.

Key Takeaways:

For the Mavericks, the dynamic duo of Irving and Doncic drove their potent offensive strategy, although it ultimately fell short in the final moments.

The Nuggets demonstrated robust offensive capabilities, boosted by effective 3-point shooting, converting 14 out of their 29 attempts, which translates to an impressive 48.3 percent accuracy from beyond the arc. Notably, Peyton Watson excelled, going 4-for-4 from 3-point range.

Critical Events:

Despite missing key players like P.J. Washington (knee), Dereck Lively II (shoulder), and Dante Exum (wrist), there were concerns about Doncic’s participation due to a left groin strain. However, he showcased his agility and shooting skills during warmups, prompting the decision to allow him to play.

Stat of Note:

All five starters from both teams recorded double-digit points, highlighting the balanced offensive efforts on both sides.

Looking Ahead:

The Mavericks will face former teammate Klay Thompson on Tuesday night, who was acquired in a summer trade from Golden State. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will embark on a three-game road trip, starting with a game against New Orleans on Friday night.