The Denver Nuggets captured their fifth consecutive victory with a 122-120 win over the Dallas Mavericks, despite an impressive 43-point effort from Kyrie Irving. Nikola Jokic made history by becoming the first player ever to record a stat line of 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists, leading six Nuggets players who scored in double figures. Michael Porter Jr. clinched the win with a one-handed shot around Irving as the clock ran down.
After the game, Irving candidly addressed his performance, calling it “an empty performance.” He praised his shooting but acknowledged the sting of the close loss. On Porter’s game-winner, Irving noted that he forced Porter to his right hand and off the three-point line, but Porter managed to get into the lane and nail a floater. Irving added that the Mavericks’ defense has room for improvement, emphasizing the importance of consistent communication even when mistakes happen.
This loss brought the Mavericks to a 5-5 record, a surprising start for last season’s NBA Finals team.
