The return to business of Nikola Jokic will not have been enough. In a stunning match where the teams exchanged series, the Nuggets fell at home against the Mavericks, winners at the end of a breathtaking end to the match (120-123), and still in the absence of Luka Doncic.
The first period is completely in favor of Dallas. From the first minutes, the Mavericks are more aggressive, Quentin Grimes takes the opportunity to punish and give his team an eight-point lead after barely four minutes of play. The gap even climbs to 11 lengths on an offensive rebound from Kyrie Irving …after having missed the target himself from afar. Denver reacts briefly with the talent of Nikola Jokic.
The Nuggets are back to just two points at the end of the first quarter, only to collapse in the second. The Mavericks' game plan is as simple as it is effective: attack the circle tirelessly and run as soon as possible to get there. The minutes without Nikola Jokic turn into a nightmare on both sides of the field, and it takes the premature return of the MVP to breathe some life back into his team.
The problem is that the improvement is short-lived. Nikola Jokic does what he can, but gets frustrated by the Mavericks' desire. As in the first quarter, Dallas scored at least 20 points in the paint (18/21 on the hoop!), and passed Denver 16-2 thanks in particular to the Kyrie Irving – Naji Marshall tandem. The Nuggets are on the ropes at rest, while Dallas matches its best offensive half of the season, 53-73.
A high-flying fourth quarter
We don't know (yet?) what Michael Malone said to his players at the break, but the message was clearly heard. It's a completely different Nuggets team that shows up on the floor, vengeful and finally showing a little desire and energy. The contrast with the first period is total, with Michael Porter Jr as the first detonator (11 points in the third quarter). Denver runs, struggles on rebounds and defensive rotations. From 53-77, the gap is closed on a new basket from Jokic (80-83).
Back in the game, the Nuggets are no longer stopping, even without their star pivot. Russell Westbrook takes over with three 3-point baskets in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter! Peyton Watson, heroic in defense on Kyrie Irving, goes for his prize and Denver takes the advantage for the first time in the match 5 minutes 34 from the end. The match turns into a fight of heavyweights, who exchange blows. Kyrie Irving still muzzled, the Mavericks' second knives finally make the difference with a super Marshall, and PJ Washington, decisive with nine points in the last two minutes.
Dallas held on and scored a second victory in three NBA Cup games, their fourth success in a row. Qualification, however, becomes complicated for the Nuggets, beaten for the second time in this competition.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– PJ Washington – Naji Marshall, hero of the Mavericks. Without Luka Doncic, the leader of the Mavs was not Kyrie Irving, a force of attraction for the defense but clumsy at 7/19 shooting. Naji Marshall finished with a career-high 26 points. Like a week earlier in Oklahoma City, the last word went to PJ Washington, author of another big double-double (22 points, 13 rebounds) and enormous composure in “money time”.
– Coming back from hell? Another failure for Denver. The Nuggets came very close to a small feat, after being led by 24 points at the start of the third quarter and going ahead in the last act, before cracking. It must be said that Denver is not a specialist in comebacks: when the Colorado franchise is trailing by 20 points or more at the break, it is now at 155 defeats for… no victories!
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
