Mon Nov 11 01:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Nuggets Edge Mavericks in Thrilling Finish, Jokic Records Another Triple-Double
**DENVER** – The Denver Nuggets held off a late surge from the Dallas Mavericks, securing a 122-120 victory on Sunday night thanks to a game-winning jumper by Michael Porter Jr. with seven seconds remaining.
The victory marked the Nuggets’ fifth straight win, while the Mavericks suffered their second loss in a row.
Nikola Jokic continued his dominant performance, recording his fourth consecutive triple-double with 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists. This marks Jokic’s sixth triple-double of the season, the most in the league. Jamal Murray added 18 points for the Nuggets, while Porter finished with 17, including the crucial final basket.
Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks’ scoring with a season-high 43 points. Luka Doncic, despite playing with a left groin strain, contributed 24 points. Daniel Gafford added 16 points for Dallas.
The Mavericks, despite trailing by 10 points midway through the first quarter, managed to outscore the Nuggets in the second period, taking a 63-60 lead into halftime. Irving’s three consecutive three-pointers in the final period gave the Mavericks a 105-102 lead with 8:46 left. However, the Nuggets rallied, eventually tying the score with a tip-in from Jokic before Porter’s game-winning shot.
The Nuggets benefited from effective three-point shooting, hitting 14 of their 29 attempts (48.3 percent). Peyton Watson was particularly impressive from beyond the arc, going 4-for-4.
The Mavericks, already missing P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum due to injuries, were initially unsure about Doncic’s availability. However, he showcased his mobility and shooting in warm-ups and was ultimately cleared to play.
Both teams had all five starters reach double figures in scoring.
The Mavericks will face Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, while the Nuggets will embark on a three-game road trip starting Friday in New Orleans.
First Piper 