Undefeated with four victories in their first four outings, the Mavericks also have Kyrie Irving back for this trip to Denver as part of the NBA Cup. Jason Kidd, ill, is not on the bench.
Opposite, the Nuggets are coming off their first defeat of the season at the Wolves but, back at home, they find their audience and a very “flashy” floor for the mid-season tournament. Enough to allow them to set up their game in the first quarter, behind Nikola Jokic who always presses where it hurts…
Apart from the lost balls, there is nothing to throw away on the Denver side, which finished the first 12 minutes with 40 points at 70% success (14/20), including 6/7 behind the 3-point line, and general involvement.
The Mavericks are relegated to -16 (40-24) and will therefore chase the score throughout the evening.
Luka Doncic and his team will try for three quarters to find a “run” allowing them to get back together and attempt the hold-up but Nikola Jokic and his team will systematically find the solution to not allow it.
Enough to afford a logical and authoritarian victory (125-114), the first defeat of the season for the Mavericks.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The symphony of the first quarter. Difficult to do much better than this first quarter for the Nuggets. Nikola Jokic who shows his power, Michael Porter Jr. who shows his touch, fast play, cuts, movement… These Nuggets know their strengths and know how to press on them when necessary.
– The difference in the racket. As against the Thunder, the Nuggets took advantage of their size and physical density to bludgeon the opposing paint, facing the Mavericks who were much more attracted to the open game. Result ? 51 rebounds (including 19 offensive) to 34 for Denver and 68 points in the paint to 40.
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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.
