By Swikblog Sports Desk | December 2, 2025
The Dallas Mavericks stunned the Mile High City overnight, knocking off the Denver Nuggets 131–121 on the road to claim just their seventh win of the season — and they did it with a swagger-filled second half that left Ball Arena quietly stunned.
After being outmuscled early, Dallas flicked the switch from the second quarter onwards, pouring in points at pace and closing the door with a ruthless final term. It was a result that delivered one of the Mavericks’ most eye-opening performances of the campaign.
Anthony Davis dominates, Jokic delivers but falls short
All eyes were locked on the headline duel — and it delivered. Anthony Davis turned in a monster night, pouring in 32 points, 13 rebounds and four assists to lead the Mavericks on both ends of the floor.
At the other end, Nikola Jokic did everything possible to haul Denver back into it, recording a massive 29-point, 20-rebound, 13-assist triple-double — but the Nuggets simply ran out of answers against Dallas’ late surge.
Nembhard’s late dagger settles it
When Denver threatened a late run, Ryan Nembhard delivered the knockout blow. His calm pull-up jumper midway through the fourth term pushed Dallas clear and effectively broke the contest, a moment fans online quickly labelled “the dagger”.
Cooper Flagg added important support with 24 points and eight boards, while Dallas’ improved ball movement and bench production ensured the Nuggets never regained control.
A statement road win from Dallas
For Australian and New Zealand fans catching up the following morning, this one had all the hallmarks of a classic road steal. Dallas won the middle quarters, controlled the tempo late, and silenced one of the toughest venues in the league.
Denver, meanwhile, were left to reflect on how a night featuring one of Jokic’s finest triple-doubles ended in a double-digit loss.
Final score: Mavericks 131, Nuggets 121
Venue: Ball Arena, Denver
What fans are saying
Social media lit up after the game, with many praising Norris-level toughness from Davis and lamenting another brilliant Jokic performance going unrewarded. One popular post summed it up perfectly: “Jokic did work… but AD and the Mavs walked out with the win.”
Full game statistics and box score are available via ESPN’s NBA scoreboard.
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