Mavericks grab 2-1 series lead in Strat-O-Matic playoffs

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Denver Nuggets in game three of their first round playoff series in the Strat-O-Matic simulation. Find out more here.

The Dallas Mavericks would be facing a first round playoff series right now if the season was not suspended. They were fighting for their final seed and potential homecourt in the first round. Nobody will ever know how that stretch run would have played out.

Strat-O-Matic decided to take matters into their own hands. They simulated the remainder of the regular season and are now doing the playoffs.

The Mavericks finished as the seventh-seed and are taking on the Denver Nuggets in the first round. The two teams split the first two games in Denver. Game three took place on Thursday. Let us take a look at what happened.

Mavs survive to take series lead

The Dallas Mavericks got off to a hot start. They led by ten at the end of the first quarter. The Mavs continued to expand that advantage. They were up 18 at the beginning of the fourth. The Nuggets made a furious comeback by netting 47 points in the final quarter. It was not enough as the Mavericks held on to win 136-133.

Kristaps Porzingis had 32 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks before fouling out after playing 34 minutes. He was the standout for the Mavericks. Luka Doncic had 24 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists while hitting eight of his 17 field goal attempts. The Mavs star duo showed up and led them to a victory.

Fans can check out the entire box score from the simulation here.

The series continues on Saturday in Dallas. The Mavericks have the opportunity to take a commanding three games to one lead. It will take a total team effort, though. Please check back for that and so much more on the Dallas Mavericks at The Smoking Cuban.