Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
Dallas MavericksOpen full analysis
The Dallas Mavericks edged the Denver Nuggets 131–130 on December 23 at the American Airlines Center in a razor-thin contest that finished just below the 236.5 Vegas total. C. Flagg led Dallas with 33 points while A. Davis added 31, propelling the Mavericks to a 57% field-goal clip and 11 three-pointers made. Denver countered with J. Murray's 31 points and N. Jokić's 29, though the Nuggets' 20 three-pointers and 39 assists showcased their offensive versatility at 57.5% from the field. The decisive difference emerged in Denver's third quarter, when the Nuggets exploded for 47 points to seize control, yet Dallas's balanced scoring and superior fourth-quarter execution—posting 28 points to Denver's 27—proved decisive in the final frame. Turnovers plagued Denver (15 vs. Dallas's 10), and despite the Nuggets' 130.8 offensive rating, Dallas's 132.9 mark and defensive discipline in crunch time secured the one-point victory. The loss leaves Denver searching for consistency as the season enters its final stretch.
