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Dallas Mavericks: Bench finally gets outplayed in loss to Nuggets

By Kohl Rast

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Dallas Mavericks stretches prior to the game agains the Denver Nuggets on November 18, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Dallas Mavericks stretches prior to the game agains the Denver Nuggets on November 18, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks played a close one with the top-seeded Denver Nuggets, but a third quarter run and a solid bench effort from the Nuggets ended up being just enough to get the 126-118 win.

In a game that featured a whole lot of scoring and a whole lot of fouls, the Dallas Mavericks held their own against the top team in the West. Although they did not manage to pull out the win in the end, it was a solid effort from a team that fought hard from start to finish.

The Mavs were led in scoring by Harrison Barnes, who managed a 30-point outing, and Luka Doncic with 23 of his own. Others in double-digits include Wes Matthews with 14, DeAndre Jordan with 11 and J.J. Barea with 10. Luka led the team in assists with 12 dimes tonight and managed to do so with only one turnover. DJ also got a double-double with 12 boards.

The Nuggets were led by potential MVP candidate, Nikola Jokic, who had 32 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a block. After Jokic, Jamal Murray managed 22 points and 15 assists, Trey Lyles and Monte Morris scored 16 each off the bench, Juan Hernangomez and Malik Beasley each added 12 and Mason Plumlee scored 11. Torrey Craig had the other 5.

This game stayed relatively close right into the fourth quarter, but the 14-0 run at the end of the third was really the big difference in the game. The Nuggets went into the 4th with a 10-point lead and, although the Mavs clawed back to make it close, they never held the lead during the final period.

A loss to the top team in the West can certainly look worse than the one tonight and it was good to see the Mavs fighting until the final buzzer. Even though it didn’t end up as a W for Dallas, the Mavs shouldn’t be too ashamed with their effort tonight.

Next. Dallas Mavericks: An update on Dirk's quest to pass Wilt

Dallas will look to end their current three game skid Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. The game will tip-off at 9:30 central time as it will be played at STAPLES Center in L.A. The Mavs will hope to have Maxi Kleber and Dennis Smith Jr. back in time for this contest as it will be another tough test for a team in desperate need of a win.

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