Kyrie Irving’s game-winner at the buzzer sealed a crucial victory for the Dallas Mavericks (39-29) against the Denver Nuggets (47-21).
The Mavericks were led by a standout performance from Luka Doncic with 37 points and 10 rebounds. Irving contributed 24 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Rookie Derek Lively II contributed 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
After enduring a challenging stretch, Dallas has now won five of their last six games, but still remains in the play-in zone.
With this win, the Mavericks have positioned themselves in a virtual tie with the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings for the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Nuggets rallied from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to take a late lead. Jamal Murray led Denver in scoring with 23 points. He also dished out seven assists.
Michael Porter Jr. provided support with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Nikola Jokic added 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.
The loss pushed the Nuggets from the first to the second place in the Western Conference, allowing the Oklahoma City Thunder to reclaim the number one seed.
