The Denver Nuggets faced off against the Dallas Mavericks on January 14, 2025, in a high-stakes Western Conference matchup. The Nuggets secured a 118-113 victory, thanks to Nikola Jokić’s triple-double and timely scoring in the final minutes.
Game Recap
The Mavericks started strong, with Luka Dončić scoring 12 points in the first quarter to give Dallas a 30-25 lead. Denver responded in the second quarter, with Michael Porter Jr. hitting three consecutive three-pointers, helping the Nuggets take a 57-55 advantage into halftime.
The third quarter saw both teams trading baskets, with Dončić and Kyrie Irving leading the Mavericks while Jokić controlled the tempo for Denver. Heading into the fourth quarter, the game was tied at 88-88.
In the final minutes, Jokić’s playmaking and clutch scoring proved decisive. He assisted on a key Jamal Murray three-pointer and hit a contested jumper with under a minute left to secure the win for Denver.
Key Performances
- Denver Nuggets:
- Nikola Jokić: 28 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists (triple-double).
- Jamal Murray: 21 points, 6 assists, 3 steals.
- Michael Porter Jr.: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 three-pointers.
- Dallas Mavericks:
- Luka Dončić: 34 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds.
- Kyrie Irving: 26 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds.
- Tim Hardaway Jr.: 15 points, 3 three-pointers.
Statistical Highlights
- Field Goal Percentage:
- Nuggets: 50.6%
- Mavericks: 47.2%
- Three-Point Shooting:
- Nuggets: 38.9% (14/36)
- Mavericks: 36.8% (14/38)
- Turnovers:
- Nuggets: 11
- Mavericks: 12
Takeaways
- The Nuggets demonstrated their championship-caliber depth and poise, with Jokić continuing to excel as the centerpiece of their offense.
- The Mavericks showed resilience and offensive firepower but struggled to contain Jokić and failed to execute in the clutch.
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