The Dallas Mavericks notched their best win of the season on Monday night against the Denver Nuggets. Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingins and co. overcame a 13-point third quarter deficit to defeat the Nuggets, 111-101. This marked the first time this season that the Mavericks took down a team that was over .500. Despite being 9-4 and holding down the 3rd seed in the Western Conference, this was undoubtedly Dallas' most convincing win on the young season.
There were a lot of positives (not including Luka Doncic's bummer ankle injury down the stretch, of course) to take away from this game for the Mavericks. It had all the ingredients of a trademark win — a win that suggests Dallas could be real threat out West.
The Mavs looked like they were going to falter against a playoff-caliber team once again. They trailed by 13 points at multiple points during the game and went into halftime down, 58-49. But Dallas, not only weathered the storm, they turned the tables on the Nuggets in a dominant second half where they outscored Denver by 19 points.
Kristaps Porzingis led the way with a monster outing. He finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists, while making five 3-pointers and going 11-of-20 from the field. He was instrumental in helping Dallas stay in the game with timely 3-pointers and mid-range jumpers.
Mavs Nation must be thrilled with Porzingis' recent play. The 7-foot-3 Unicorn is looking more comfortable and confident out there. Over his last three outings, KP averaged 27.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, while draining over three triples and shooting 55.2 percent from the field. With the Latvian's huge three-game stretch, Mavs fans circulated the Kristaps Porzingis Apology form as a clapback to those who ever doubted Porzingis due to his struggles previously.
The Mavericks will definitely need Porzingis to play at this level if they're going reach the heights they want to reach. But it wasn't all just KP that led Dallas to this huge win over Denver.
Luka Doncic was up to his usual tricks with a near triple-double of 23 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. Tim Hardaway got hot in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 of his 18 points in the period. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson provided a spark with 17 points and six assists in 36 minutes off the bench. With their two stars leading the way, the Mavericks played a complete game and took advantage of an undermanned Nuggets squad.
Dallas also seems to be finding its rhythm from beyond the arc. They shot drained 14-of-36 from beyond the arc after shooting 40 percent in their previous win over the San Antonio Spurs. Over their last four games, they have shot a combined 38.9 percent from downtown.
What has stood out most from Dallas' previous two wins is their ball movement. They notched 30 assists each against San Antonio and Denver. They haven't had a 30-assist game this season prior to those two contests. When that ball is zipping around and finding the open shooter, this Mavericks offense is up there among the best in the league.
The Mavs haven't found the same success on offense this season as they adjust with new coach Jason Kidd's system. However, if these previous two outings are any indication, it seems like Luka, KP, and company are finally finding their rhythm as a team.
If Dallas consistently plays like they did against the Nuggets, they will definitely be a team to watch out for in the Western Conference.
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