Mavericks take 3-2 series lead on Kristaps Porzingis game-winner in sim

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Denver Nuggets in game five of the Strat-O-Matic first round playoff simulation on a Kristaps Porzingis game-winner.

Dallas Mavericks fans would be enjoying playoff basketball right now had the season played out as anticipated. The global novel coronavirus pandemic put a halt to that, though. Now, everyone is just waiting on news of what is next.

Strat-O-Matic decided to take over. They simulated the remainder of the regular season and are now in the thick of the playoffs.

The Mavericks are taking on the Denver Nuggets in the first round. The Nuggets won game one, but Dallas came back to take two straight. Denver knotted the series in Dallas. Game five took place on Tuesday. Let us take a look at the results.

Mavs take command

Game five in a two to two series is always pivotal. The team that takes that contest usually advances. Denver had home court, but the Mavs would not be denied. It was a back and forth game all night, but a strong 39-point fourth quarter propelled Dallas to a 106-105 victory. They have a shot to take the series at home in game six.

Kristaps Porzingis finished with a game-high 22 points including the game-winner with just seconds remaining. Luka Doncic shot poorly from the field (five of 18) but had a triple-double. His 12 assists kept the offense humming all night.

Denver used a balanced attack. They had six players in double-figures with Jamal Murray leading the way with 19.

The series heads to Dallas, but it no lock that the Mavericks win. Every game has been tight. The Mavs have to lose two straight which they have not done all series. In fact, in their 67 regular season games, the Mavericks lost two in a row just six times. The odds are certainly in their favor to advance to the second round in the Strat-O-Matic simulation.

The Smoking Cuban will be back with more on this simulation plus news and analysis on the Dallas Mavericks every day, so keep it locked right here.