The Nuggets overcame a 17-point deficit to secure a thrilling 112-101 victory against the Mavericks, highlighted by Aaron Gordon’s return.
Jamal Murray had a rough start but picked it up, while Nikola Jokic, despite not being at his best, still contributed 19 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists. Russell Westbrook was on fire with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Aaron Gordon made a strong return from injury, scoring 13 points on 6-for-7 shooting.
Gordon came off the bench after missing nine games due to a calf strain. The Nuggets have now won seven games this season after trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter, and this time they outscored the Mavericks 33-12 in the final stretch.
Despite shooting just 29% from the three-point line and missing seven free throws, the Nuggets managed to stay close at halftime, trailing by only three. Dallas was making it tough for Jokic, and Murray was struggling with foul trouble.
But when they fell behind by 17, the Nuggets’ bench stepped up, with Gordon hitting his shots and DeAndre Jordan contributing effectively. By the fourth quarter, Murray was still having a tough time but was no longer in foul trouble. He and Gordon hit back-to-back threes, cutting the deficit to 91-89 and forcing a timeout.
Murray had been listed as questionable due to knee inflammation, which is always a concern given his past ACL injury. Coach Malone mentioned the importance of monitoring his condition, especially with a packed January schedule ahead.
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