Nuggets gamer box
MAVERICKS 123, NUGGETS 120
What happened: Dallas extended a two-point lead after the first quarter to a 73-53 advantage at halftime. The Nuggets closed within six to start the fourth quarter and took their first lead in the final six minutes but a late Mavericks’ run dropped Denver to 8-6 on the season.
What went right: Nikola Jokic returned to the rotation after missing Denver’s previous three games. He and his wife, Natalija, reportedly welcomed a baby boy on Thursday night. Jokic finished with 33 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists.
What went wrong: Dallas scored 44 of its first-half points in the paint. Denver did a better job in the second half, but the Mavericks still finished with
Highlight of the night: an errant alley-oop pass ended up working out for the Nuggets early. Julian Strawther’s lob pass was a little to high for Russell Westbrook to finish with a dunk, but the 17-year veteran got up enough to catch the ball and kick it out to Jamal Murray before landing out of bounds. Murray made the 3, which gave the Nuggets an extra point early.
Up next: The Nuggets are off to Los Angeles for Saturday’s 8:30 p.m. local start against the Lakers.