Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats

Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets match player stats from the December 1, 2025 game tell a much more interesting story than the final 131-121 score alone. The dallas overcame an early 17-point deficit at Ball Arena, produced a 42-point second quarter, shot 56% from the field and 52% from three-point range, and closed the game with a dominant fourth quarter. Anthony Davis led Dallas with 32 points and 13 rebounds, while rookie Ryan Nembhard delivered 28 points and 10 assists. Cooper Flagg added 24 points and posted the team’s best plus/minus at +13. For Denver, Nikola Jokic recorded 29 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists, while Spencer Jones scored a career-high 28 points.

Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets Match Player Stats

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Denver Nuggets 131-121 at Ball Arena in a game that changed direction several times. Dallas entered the contest with a 7-15 record and Denver with a 14-6 record, making the result a notable road victory for the Mavericks.

The official NBA game record lists the contest as December 1, 2025 in Denver, while some feeds display December 2 because of the game’s early-morning timing in other time zones. The game was played at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, with an announced attendance of 19,587.

The final score was:

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Dallas Mavericks	27	42	33	29	131
Denver Nuggets	41	27	36	17	121

The biggest takeaway is simple: Denver controlled the opening period, but Dallas controlled the game after that.

Denver started with a 41-point first quarter and eventually built a 17-point advantage. Dallas responded with a 42-point second quarter, turning the game into a much more competitive contest. The Mavericks then outscored Denver 33-36 in the third quarter and, most importantly, finished the fourth quarter with a 29-17 advantage.

That fourth-quarter difference was decisive.

Game Overview and Why the Result Matters

This was not a conventional wire-to-wire victory. Dallas had to recover from a difficult opening stretch and then maintain enough offensive efficiency to withstand Denver’s size, rebounding and playmaking.

The Mavericks eventually won consecutive games for the first time that season. The victory also moved Dallas to 7-15, while Denver fell to 14-6. The NBA’s official recap noted that Dallas overcame a 17-point deficit and that the win came in front of a sellout crowd at Ball Arena.

The result was particularly striking because Denver had several advantages on paper.

The Nuggets finished with:

• 47 rebounds compared with Dallas’ 43
• 37 assists compared with Dallas’ 35
• 12 offensive rebounds compared with Dallas’ 7
• 15 free throws made compared with Dallas’ 9
• 60 points in the paint compared with Dallas’ 54

Despite those advantages, Dallas won because its shooting efficiency was substantially better.

That distinction is important when evaluating a basketball box score. A team can lose the rebounding battle and still win comfortably if it generates better shot quality and converts those opportunities at a higher rate.

Dallas did exactly that.

Anthony Davis Leads Dallas With 32 Points and 13 Rebounds

Anthony Davis was the most influential individual scorer for Dallas.

He finished with:

• 32 points
• 13 rebounds
• 4 assists
• 1 steal
• 2 blocks
• 13-for-23 shooting
• 2-for-4 from three-point range
• 4-for-5 from the free-throw line
• +5 plus/minus

His 32 points came on 56.5% shooting from the field. He also contributed four offensive rebounds, giving Dallas extra possessions around the basket.

The timing of his performance mattered as much as the raw numbers.

Davis was returning from an injury absence and this was only his second game back. The NBA recap described the performance as a season-high 32 points and noted that he matched his season high with 13 rebounds.

From a matchup perspective, Davis gave Dallas something it needed against Denver: a reliable interior scoring option who could also defend the rim and compete for rebounds.

His four offensive rebounds were especially useful because Denver already had a strong defensive rebounding presence through Jokic and its frontcourt.

Davis did not need to dominate every possession. Instead, he provided efficient scoring, second-chance opportunities and defensive resistance.

That combination made his performance more valuable than the 32-point figure alone suggests.

Ryan Nembhard Delivers a Breakout Performance

Ryan Nembhard was arguably the most surprising contributor in the game.

The rookie finished with:

• 28 points
• 10 assists
• 3 rebounds
• 12-for-14 shooting
• 4-for-5 from three-point range
• 0 turnovers
• +9 plus/minus

Those numbers are remarkable for one major reason: efficiency.

Nembhard attempted 14 field goals and made 12 of them. He also converted four of his five three-point attempts.

That means Denver was not simply dealing with a high-volume scorer. Nembhard was creating points while making very few mistakes.

His 10 assists were also important because Dallas finished with 35 assists overall. The ball moved efficiently, and Nembhard played a major role in that offensive flow.

The official NBA recap identified both his 28 points and 10 assists as career bests at the time.

For anyone studying these player statistics, Nembhard’s performance is one of the clearest examples of why box scores should be read as a collection of connected numbers rather than isolated totals.

Twenty-eight points are impressive.

Twenty-eight points on 12-for-14 shooting with 10 assists and no turnovers are much more significant.

Cooper Flagg Provides Two-Way Impact

Cooper Flagg finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

His shooting line was:

• 10-for-19 from the field
• 1-for-3 from three
• 3-for-4 from the free-throw line

His most notable box-score statistic beyond scoring was his +13 plus/minus, the best mark among Dallas players.

That number deserves attention because it supports the broader story of Dallas’ turnaround.

Flagg was not simply scoring while the team struggled. Dallas was outscoring Denver during his minutes on the floor.

He also contributed on defense with two steals and a block.

For a young player, the combination of scoring efficiency, rebounding, defensive activity and positive plus/minus made this one of the more complete performances on the Dallas side.

His 24 points were not the team’s highest total, but his overall impact helped Dallas stabilize the game.

Naji Marshall’s All-Around Contribution

Naji Marshall did not have a huge scoring night, but his overall contribution was useful.

He recorded:

• 9 points
• 7 rebounds
• 6 assists
• 4-for-7 shooting
• 1-for-3 from three
• 2 offensive rebounds
• 3 turnovers
• 3 fouls

The most interesting part of his line is the combination of seven rebounds and six assists.

That tells us Dallas received meaningful contributions outside its primary scorers.

Marshall’s role was not simply to shoot. He helped move the ball, compete on the glass and support the offense.

This is one reason the Mavericks could survive stretches when individual shots were not falling.

Max Christie Adds Efficient Scoring

Max Christie scored 9 points in 29 minutes.

He shot 3-for-5 from the field and 3-for-4 from three-point range.

Although his scoring total was modest, his perimeter shooting was efficient.

His +12 plus/minus was also one of the strongest figures on the Dallas roster.

That combination shows why traditional scoring totals do not always identify the players who helped a team win its minutes.

Christie was not a primary offensive creator, but he converted his limited opportunities and provided spacing.

Klay Thompson Gives Dallas Valuable Bench Scoring

Klay Thompson scored 15 points off the bench.

His line included:

• 5-for-10 shooting
• 3-for-5 from three
• 2-for-4 from the free-throw line
• 5 rebounds
• 1 assist
• +4 plus/minus

His three made three-pointers were important because Dallas ultimately finished 16-for-31 from beyond the arc.

Thompson’s shooting allowed Dallas to maintain perimeter pressure without requiring every offensive possession to run through Davis or Nembhard.

The bench contribution also mattered because Denver received 13 points from Tim Hardaway Jr., but Dallas received strong scoring from multiple rotation players.

Dallas Player Statistics at a Glance

Dallas Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG	3PT	+/-
Anthony Davis	32	13	4	13-23	2-4	+5
Ryan Nembhard	28	3	10	12-14	4-5	+9
Cooper Flagg	24	8	2	10-19	1-3	+13
Klay Thompson	15	5	1	5-10	3-5	+4
Naji Marshall	9	7	6	4-7	1-3	-5
Max Christie	9	2	1	3-5	3-4	+12
D’Angelo Russell	8	0	2	3-8	2-6	+3
Dwight Powell	4	2	4	2-2	0-0	+5
Brandon Williams	2	1	4	1-5	0-1	+1
Caleb Martin	0	2	1	0-2	0-0	+3

The official NBA box score confirms Dallas’ 53-for-95 shooting performance and its 16-for-31 mark from three-point range.

Nikola Jokic Posts a Massive Triple-Double

Nikola Jokic produced one of the most statistically impressive individual performances of the game.

He finished with:

• 29 points
• 20 rebounds
• 13 assists
• 1 steal
• 2 blocks
• 10-for-24 shooting
• 3-for-10 from three
• 6-for-7 from the free-throw line
• 2 turnovers
• -1 plus/minus

The 20 rebounds and 13 assists created a triple-double while also giving Denver enormous production on the glass.

Jokic’s 20 rebounds included 16 defensive rebounds and four offensive rebounds.

His 13 assists also explain why Denver finished with 37 team assists despite losing the game.

In many games, a 29-point, 20-rebound, 13-assist performance would be enough to dominate the result.

This game was different.

Jokic produced extraordinary individual numbers, but Dallas’ overall shooting efficiency and fourth-quarter execution were stronger.

That is one of the most useful lessons from this matchup.

A superstar can have a historically strong box-score performance while his team still loses.

Spencer Jones Scores 28 Points

Spencer Jones was another major Denver contributor.

He scored 28 points on 11-for-15 shooting, including 4-for-6 from three-point range.

His complete line included:

• 28 points
• 5 rebounds
• 0 assists
• 11-for-15 field goals
• 4-for-6 three-pointers
• 2-for-2 free throws
• -10 plus/minus

Jones’ shooting efficiency was excellent.

He made 73.3% of his field-goal attempts and 66.7% of his threes.

However, the -10 plus/minus highlights the difference between individual offensive production and team-level success.

Denver needed more than efficient scoring from Jones. The Nuggets needed defensive stability and stronger fourth-quarter offense.

They did not get enough of either.

Peyton Watson Provides Defensive Energy

Peyton Watson finished with:

• 15 points
• 5 rebounds
• 3 assists
• 7-for-14 shooting
• 1-for-4 from three
• 3 blocks
• -5 plus/minus

The three blocks were particularly valuable because Dallas had several players attacking the basket.

Watson also helped Denver generate interior scoring and athletic plays.

His 15 points were useful, but the larger issue was Denver’s overall inability to maintain offensive rhythm during the final quarter.

Jamal Murray’s Impact Was Limited

Jamal Murray finished with:

• 10 points
• 4 rebounds
• 9 assists
• 3-for-8 shooting
• 2-for-3 from three
• 3 turnovers
• +2 plus/minus

The nine assists were valuable, but his scoring output was limited.

The game recap also reported that Murray dealt with an issue during the second half and did not play normally throughout the fourth quarter.

That was important because Denver needed another reliable creator when Dallas began closing the gap.

Murray’s +2 plus/minus was Denver’s best among its starters, but his limited fourth-quarter availability reduced Denver’s offensive options at a crucial stage.

Tim Hardaway Jr. Leads Denver’s Bench

Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 13 points in 31 minutes.

He shot 6-for-12 from the field and made one of six three-point attempts.

He also contributed six assists.

Hardaway provided useful secondary offense, but Denver’s bench did not match the efficiency Dallas received from its supporting cast.

Bruce Brown added seven points, four rebounds and two assists.

Jonas Valanciunas scored eight points and collected seven rebounds.

The supporting production was present, but it was not enough to overcome Dallas’ perimeter shooting and late-game execution.

Denver Player Statistics at a Glance

Denver Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	FG	3PT	+/-
Nikola Jokic	29	20	13	10-24	3-10	-1
Spencer Jones	28	5	0	11-15	4-6	-10
Peyton Watson	15	5	3	7-14	1-4	-5
Cameron Johnson	10	1	2	3-10	1-6	-14
Jamal Murray	10	4	9	3-8	2-3	+2
Tim Hardaway Jr.	13	1	6	6-12	1-6	-6
Jonas Valanciunas	8	7	2	4-7	0-0	-9
Bruce Brown	7	4	2	3-9	0-2	-6
Zeke Nnaji	1	0	0	0-0	0-0	-1

These figures are consistent with the official box score and game summary.

The Biggest Statistical Difference Was Shooting

The clearest reason for Dallas’ victory was shooting efficiency.

Dallas shot 53-for-95 from the field, or 56%.

Denver shot 47-for-99, or 47%.

That nine-percentage-point difference is substantial.

Dallas also shot 16-for-31 from three-point range, or approximately 52%.

Denver shot 12-for-37 from three, or approximately 32%.

That created a major advantage from long range.

Dallas made four more three-pointers despite attempting six fewer.

The Mavericks therefore received more points from each three-point attempt while also shooting better overall.

This is the kind of statistical edge that can overcome a disadvantage on the boards.

Three-Point Shooting Changed the Game

Dallas made 16 threes.

Denver made 12.

That four-shot difference does not sound enormous until the scoring value is considered.

Dallas received 48 points from made three-pointers.

Denver received 36.

That is a 12-point advantage from made threes alone.

Dallas also shot fewer free throws, making nine compared with Denver’s 15.

Denver therefore had an advantage at the free-throw line, but Dallas’ perimeter shooting more than compensated for it.

This is an important analytical point because the final score was not driven by one category.

Dallas won the game through a combination of:

1. Better overall field-goal percentage
2. Better three-point percentage
3. More made three-pointers
4. Strong ball security
5. A major fourth-quarter advantage
6. Efficient scoring from its main contributors

Dallas Won Despite Losing the Rebounding Battle

Denver grabbed 47 rebounds.

Dallas grabbed 43.

The Nuggets also collected 12 offensive rebounds compared with Dallas’ seven.

At first glance, this suggests Denver should have controlled the possession battle.

Instead, Dallas minimized the damage by taking better shots and limiting turnovers.

Dallas committed only eight turnovers.

Denver committed seven.

The turnover difference was almost negligible.

That meant Denver could not turn its rebounding advantage into a large possession advantage.

This is a useful reminder that rebounding numbers should not be viewed independently.

A team can dominate offensive rebounds but still lose if the opponent is significantly more efficient with its shooting opportunities.

Ball Security Helped Dallas Stay in Control

Dallas committed eight turnovers.

Denver committed seven.

Both teams were relatively careful with the basketball.

The more interesting number is Ryan Nembhard’s zero turnovers.

A rookie point guard finishing with 28 points, 10 assists and zero turnovers is an unusually efficient combination.

Dallas also finished with 35 assists.

That means its offense was not built entirely around isolation scoring.

The ball moved.

Players found open shooters.

Davis received efficient scoring opportunities.

Nembhard created for others while also scoring himself.

Flagg and Marshall contributed as secondary playmakers.

The result was a balanced offensive structure.

The Fourth Quarter Decided the Game

The fourth-quarter score was Dallas 29, Denver 17.

That 12-point difference was larger than Dallas’ final margin over Denver.

The game recap provides important context: Denver led by four with 9:31 remaining, but Dallas then produced an 18-5 run to take control. Denver missed 10 consecutive shots during a crucial stretch, including six three-point attempts.

That sequence explains why the final 10-point margin can be misleading.

This was not simply a game where Dallas slowly built a comfortable lead.

The Mavericks were forced to execute under pressure.

They did so at exactly the moment Denver needed defensive stops and made shots.

Dallas Turned a 17-Point Deficit Into a Win

One of the strongest aspects of the game was Dallas’ response to adversity.

Denver jumped out aggressively and eventually established a 17-point advantage.

A team with a 7-15 record could easily have lost control after that start.

Instead, Dallas changed the rhythm of the game.

The second quarter was the turning point.

Dallas scored 42 points while holding Denver to 27.

That was a 15-point swing in one quarter.

From there, the Mavericks entered the second half with belief and continued producing efficient offense.

The official Dallas Mavericks recap described the comeback as a 17-point rally and identified the win as the team’s first winning streak of the season.

What the Plus/Minus Numbers Tell Us

Plus/minus should never be treated as a perfect measure of individual performance, but it can help reveal which lineups controlled the game.

For Dallas:

• Cooper Flagg: +13
• Max Christie: +12
• Ryan Nembhard: +9
• Dwight Powell: +5
• Anthony Davis: +5

For Denver:

• Jamal Murray: +2
• Nikola Jokic: -1
• Zeke Nnaji: -1
• Peyton Watson: -5
• Cameron Johnson: -14

The most striking number is Cameron Johnson’s -14.

Denver’s starters collectively struggled to maintain control despite the team’s early lead.

On the Dallas side, Flagg’s +13 is particularly interesting because he combined positive on-court impact with 24 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.

What the Player Stats Reveal About Dallas

The deeper lesson from the Dallas numbers is balance.

Anthony Davis was the primary interior force.

Ryan Nembhard was the main creator.

Cooper Flagg provided two-way production.

Klay Thompson supplied perimeter scoring.

Naji Marshall contributed across multiple categories.

Max Christie provided efficient three-point shooting.

That is a strong distribution of responsibilities.

Dallas did not require one player to create every point.

The Mavericks also had several players shooting at efficient rates, which made it difficult for Denver to solve the offense by focusing exclusively on one scorer.

What the Player Stats Reveal About Denver

Denver’s numbers tell a different story.

Jokic was extraordinary.

Jones was highly efficient.

Watson provided athleticism.

Murray contributed nine assists.

Yet the Nuggets still lost by 10.

The primary problem was not a lack of individual talent.

It was the inability to translate that talent into sustained team efficiency.

Denver shot only 32% from three-point range.

The Nuggets also struggled badly during the fourth quarter.

When Dallas increased its pressure and continued making shots, Denver’s offense stalled.

That made the final minutes decisive.

Key Matchup: Anthony Davis vs Nikola Jokic

The Davis-Jokic comparison is one of the most interesting parts of this game.

Category	Anthony Davis	Nikola Jokic
Points	32	29
Rebounds	13	20
Assists	4	13
Field Goals	13-23	10-24
Three-Pointers	2-4	3-10
Free Throws	4-5	6-7
Blocks	2	2
Turnovers	0	2
Plus/Minus	+5	-1

Jokic clearly won the rebounding and playmaking categories.

Davis won the scoring efficiency battle.

The bigger difference was team context.

Jokic produced the larger all-around statistical line, but Dallas received enough production from Nembhard, Flagg, Thompson and others to make Davis’ performance translate into a victory.

Key Matchup: Dallas’ Perimeter Shooting vs Denver’s Defense

Dallas’ 16-for-31 three-point shooting deserves special attention.

The Mavericks did not simply make a large number of difficult shots.

Several important contributors were efficient from outside.

Nembhard went 4-for-5.

Thompson went 3-for-5.

Christie went 3-for-4.

Davis went 2-for-4.

That distribution matters.

When several players are making threes, defensive adjustments become much harder.

Denver could not simply load up on Davis.

If the Nuggets collapsed toward the paint, Dallas had capable shooters ready outside.

Why the Box Score Is More Useful Than the Final Score

A final score tells you who won.

A box score can tell you why.

In this game, the final score alone might suggest Dallas simply had a better offensive night.

The complete numbers reveal a more detailed explanation.

Dallas:

• Shot 56% overall
• Shot 52% from three
• Made 16 threes
• Had 35 assists
• Committed eight turnovers
• Scored 131 points

Denver:

• Shot 47% overall
• Shot 32% from three
• Made 12 threes
• Had 37 assists
• Committed seven turnovers
• Scored 121 points

Denver actually had more rebounds and assists.

Dallas still won because shooting efficiency and late-game execution outweighed those advantages.

That is the central statistical lesson of the matchup.

Real-World Takeaways for Reading NBA Player Stats

When evaluating a game like this, it is useful to follow a structured process.

Start With Efficiency

Do not begin with points alone.

Check:

• Field-goal percentage
• Three-point percentage
• Free-throw percentage
• Shot attempts
• Three-point attempts

A player scoring 30 points on 12-for-20 shooting has had a different offensive impact from a player scoring 30 on 10-for-25.

Then Check Playmaking

Assists help explain how scoring was created.

Nembhard’s 10 assists were particularly meaningful because they came with zero turnovers.

Jokic’s 13 assists demonstrated his role as Denver’s offensive hub.

Then Examine Possessions

Look at:

• Turnovers
• Offensive rebounds
• Defensive rebounds
• Free-throw opportunities

Denver won the offensive rebounding category, but Dallas avoided giving away possessions.

Finally, Study the Game Flow

Quarter-by-quarter scoring can explain something a traditional box score misses.

Dallas’ 42-point second quarter and 29-17 fourth quarter reveal exactly when the momentum shifted.

This is why game analysis should combine player statistics with team statistics.

Important Statistical Lessons From the Matchup

Several broader lessons emerge from this game.

First, efficiency can overcome volume.

Denver attempted 99 field goals compared with Dallas’ 95, yet Dallas scored more because the Mavericks converted a much larger percentage of those attempts.

Second, three-point shooting can quickly erase a rebounding disadvantage.

Denver collected four more rebounds overall and five more offensive rebounds, but Dallas’ 16 made threes created a major scoring advantage.

Third, individual greatness does not guarantee a team victory.

Jokic’s 29-point triple-double with 20 rebounds and 13 assists was outstanding, but Dallas still won.

Fourth, role-player efficiency matters.

Nembhard, Thompson and Christie collectively provided major value beyond Davis and Flagg.

Finally, fourth-quarter execution can define a game even when the earlier periods are close or favor the opponent.

What Happened to Denver in the Fourth Quarter?

Denver scored only 17 points in the final period.

That was its lowest-scoring quarter of the game by a wide margin.

The problem became more severe because Dallas scored 29.

The Nuggets entered the fourth quarter with a chance to win.

Instead, the offense became increasingly inefficient.

According to the official recap, Denver missed 10 straight shots during a critical stretch, including six three-point attempts.

That drought gave Dallas the opportunity to turn a competitive game into a double-digit victory.

Season Series Context

The result gave Dallas a 1-0 lead in the season series based on the supplied game data.

For Denver, the loss was particularly damaging because it came at home.

The official NBA recap also noted that it was Denver’s fourth consecutive home loss, with three of those losses coming against teams that entered without winning records.

For Dallas, the win represented consecutive victories for the first time that season.

That makes the result more meaningful than a single isolated box-score entry.

How to Use These Stats for Future Matchups

If you are comparing future Dallas and Denver games, several numbers from this matchup are worth monitoring.

Dallas Three-Point Efficiency

The Mavericks’ 52% three-point shooting was a major factor.

If Dallas can consistently generate efficient perimeter looks, Denver has to defend a much wider area.

Davis’ Availability

Davis’ health and availability can dramatically change Dallas’ interior scoring and defensive structure.

His 32-point performance demonstrated how much pressure he can put on an opposing frontcourt when he is available.

Nembhard’s Playmaking

Nembhard’s 28 points and 10 assists represented a major offensive contribution.

Future games will show whether that level of production is sustainable, but this particular performance was unquestionably significant.

Jokic’s Usage and Efficiency

Denver will almost always have a major offensive advantage when Jokic is controlling scoring, rebounding and playmaking efficiently.

The challenge is ensuring that his individual production also creates efficient team offense around him.

Fourth-Quarter Execution

The fourth quarter was the decisive area of this game.

Future meetings should be evaluated not only by the halftime score but also by which team creates quality shots and limits mistakes late.

Where to Find the Official Box Score

For readers who want to verify the individual minutes, shooting numbers, rebounds, assists, turnovers, steals, blocks and plus/minus figures, the most authoritative reference is the [official NBA box score for the game]official NBA box score for Dallas vs Denver.

Using an official box score is especially important when publishing sports statistics because player totals can be copied incorrectly across secondary websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Dallas’ leading scorer against Denver?

Anthony Davis led Dallas with 32 points. He also collected 13 rebounds and shot 13-for-23 from the field.

Who led Dallas in assists?

Ryan Nembhard led Dallas with 10 assists. He also scored 28 points and committed zero turnovers.

Who was Denver’s leading scorer?

Nikola Jokic led Denver with 29 points. He also recorded 20 rebounds and 13 assists for a triple-double.

How many points did Cooper Flagg score?

Cooper Flagg scored 24 points. He also had eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.

What was the final score?

Dallas defeated Denver 131-121.

Why did Dallas win despite Denver having more rebounds?

Dallas shot much more efficiently. The Mavericks shot 56% from the field and 52% from three-point range, compared with Denver’s 47% overall shooting and 32% three-point shooting.

Conclusion

The Dallas Mavericks‘ 131-121 victory over the Denver Nuggets was driven by efficient offense, timely perimeter shooting and strong execution after an extremely difficult start.

Anthony Davis provided the headline performance with 32 points and 13 rebounds. Ryan Nembhard added 28 points and 10 assists while shooting 12-for-14 from the field. Cooper Flagg contributed 24 points and posted Dallas’ best plus/minus at +13. Klay Thompson added 15 points, while several other Mavericks contributed efficiently without needing high usage.

Denver had its own outstanding individual performances. Nikola Jokic recorded 29 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists, while Spencer Jones scored 28 points on 11-for-15 shooting. However, Denver’s 32% three-point shooting and 17-point fourth quarter prevented those performances from producing a win.

The most important statistical difference was Dallas’ shooting. The Mavericks made 53 of 95 field goals and 16 of 31 three-pointers, while Denver made 47 of 99 field goals and 12 of 37 threes. That efficiency allowed Dallas to overcome Denver’s advantages in total rebounds, offensive rebounds, assists and free throws.

For readers analyzing NBA games, this matchup is a strong example of why player statistics should be considered alongside team efficiency and game flow. The biggest scorer is not always the reason a team wins, and the strongest individual box score does not automatically translate into victory. In this case, Dallas combined several efficient performances with a major fourth-quarter response, turning a 17-point deficit into a 10-point road win.