The NBA new season regular season continues, and the Dallas Mavericks (9 wins and 4 losses) have won a winning streak. Although Jokic had 35 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists, he was alone. Porzingis had 29 points and 11 rebounds. Doncic had 23 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists. They led the team. In the final quarter, a small climax achieved a comeback. The Mavericks defeated the Denver Nuggets 111-101 at home (9 wins and 5 losses). The Mavericks won 2 consecutive victories, and the Nuggets ended their 5 consecutive victories.
The Mavericks Porzingis had 29 points and 11 rebounds, Doncic had 23 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists, Hardaway had 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, Brunson had 17 Points and 6 assists. The Nuggets' Jokic had 35 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists, Morris had 17 points and 8 assists, Gordon had 14 points and 7 rebounds, and Rivers had 12 points.
After the opening 9 draws, Rivers made a three-pointer, Morris and Gordon also took turns to score, and the Nuggets took the lead. Powell scored a three-pointer, Smith made a three-pointer, and the Mavericks led 19-18. Jokic counterattacked 5 points, Doncic scored 6 points, Brunson turned around and hit a jumper, the Mavericks led 27-25. Gordon responded with 4 points, Porzingis and Brunson each scored three points, and the Mavericks ended the first quarter with a 35-32 lead by three points.
After the start of the second quarter, Ball scored 7 points to help the team overtake, Porzingis and Hardaway counterattacked 4 points, Morris made a three-pointer, the two teams each scored a few points later, Gordon scored another three-pointer. At 3 minutes and 40 seconds before halftime, the Nuggets led 50-44. Porzingis recovered 5 points, Jokic quickly returned 4 points, Green scored 4 points with a penalty, and the Nuggets led 58-49 at the end of the half.
Nuggets’ Jokic scored 13 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in the first half, Morris had 11 points and 5 assists; Mavericks’ Porzingis scored 17 points and 5 rebounds, Dongqi Qi had 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.
After the start of the third quarter, the two sides each scored several offenses. Porzingis remained aggressive and scored another 7 points. The Mavericks chased to 68-75. Morris shot back with a jumper, Brunson and Nellikina teamed up with 5 points, leaving the gap between the two sides by only 4 points. Jokic hit a jumper, Majanovic led the team to chase 4 points, the Mavericks only trailed by 2 points. Hyland made a layup, and the Nuggets led 83-79 by 4 points at the end of the three quarters.
The Mavericks opened fire from the outside in the fourth quarter. Smith, Bullock and Hardaway each scored three points, and they took the lead 88-83. Dozier broke through, Brunson and Hardaway teamed up by 5 points, and the Mavericks led by 8 points. Jokic fought back 5 points, Doncic hit a three-pointer, Brunson and Hardaway also succeeded in offensive, and the Mavericks led 100-90 with 5 minutes and 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Rivers stopped the bleeding with a three-pointer, Jokic succeeded in two singles, and the Nuggets narrowed the gap to only 5 points. Doncic stepped forward at this time and scored two goals. Hardaway also scored three points. The Mavericks had a 9-1 spurt, and they led 111-98. At the last minute, the Nuggets were unable to recover. They lost 101-111.
Nuggets starting lineup: Morris, Rivers, Green, Gordon, Jokic
Mavericks starting lineup: Doncic, Hardaway, Smith, Porzingis, Powell