Mavericks pick up 3rd consecutive win
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The Dallas Mavericks hosted the Denver Nuggets Monday, playing in front of their home crowd for the first time since Thursday, Dec. 23. The Mavericks entered the game with some momentum, winning three of their last four games, and looking to pick up their third consecutive victory.
Dallas was a bit empty-handed once again, as Kristaps Porzingis had just entered the COVID-19 health and safety protocol earlier in the day. Although they were without Porzingis, they did get Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Maxi Kleber back the day before.
The Mavericks got off to a solid start, outscoring Denver 24-20 in the opening frame. Dallas continued to dominate for a majority of the second frame as well, extending their lead to as much as 44-31.
The Nuggets had their best quarter of the night in the third, outscoring the Mavericks 26-23 in the frame. They cut the deficit to as close as 67-63, but Dallas’ Reggie Bullock got a rebound with 5.4 seconds left and went the length of the floor, scoring on a layup as time expired to take a six-point lead into the final frame.
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Bullock would come up clutch for Dallas again, this time in the final minutes of the frame. Leading 86-78 with three minutes left, Bullock hit a pair of 3-pointers to put the game out of reach for Dallas. Jalen Brunson added a 3-pointer of his own for good measure, as the Mavericks went on to cruise to a 103-89 win.
Doncic was the leader for the Mavericks in just about all Caterogies, scoring 21 points, while dishing out 15 assists. He also grabbed team-high’s in rebounds (8) and steals (4) while having a +/- of +25.
Bullock and Dwight Powell were next for Dallas, scoring 15 points each, on a combined 10-17 from the field. Brunson added 13 points, while Dorian Finney-Smith and Kleber each had 10 points.
The win improves Dallas’ record to 19-18, putting them over the .500 mark for the first time since Dec. 13. They will look to keep their winning streak going Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors.
The Mavericks will be playing in front of an electric sold out crowd Wednesday, as they are retiring Dirk Nowitzki’s No. 41 jersey after the game. Coverage of the game and pictures of the ceremony will be provided on Front Porch News.
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