Denver Nuggets relied on shot-making and late-game composure to secure a 118–109 road win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at American Airlines Center.
Jamal Murray led the way with 33 points, steadying Denver through multiple momentum swings and closing the door in the final minutes.
The Nuggets improved to 28–13 and remained near the top of the Western Conference after controlling long stretches despite a brief fourth-quarter push by Dallas.
Aaron Gordon added 22 points on efficient shooting, while Peyton Watson contributed 18 points and strong perimeter defense.
Denver built a commanding cushion early, opening a 23-point lead before the game’s complexion shifted late in the second quarter.
Cooper Flagg exited the game after spraining his left ankle with 6:01 remaining in the second period while defending Watson.
Flagg briefly returned to finish the half but was ruled out for the remainder of the night, ending his outing with six points in 15 minutes.
Dallas was already shorthanded in the frontcourt, and the absence of the rookie compounded existing issues for a roster stretched thin by injuries.
The Mavericks trimmed the deficit to five early in the fourth quarter on a three-pointer by Ryan Nembhard, threatening to flip the game’s momentum.
Former Dallas guard Tim Hardaway Jr. answered immediately with a three that sparked a decisive 13–2 run.
Murray capped that stretch with a pull-up three, pushing Denver back in front 101–85 and reasserting control.
Dallas made one final push, cutting the margin to six with 1:12 left, but Murray knocked down a jumper near the free-throw line before Gordon sealed it at the stripe.
Naji Marshall paced Dallas with 24 points, while Brandon Williams added 20 off the bench.
The Mavericks struggled mightily from deep, shooting a season-worst 5-for-34 from three-point range, which repeatedly stalled comeback attempts.
Daniel Gafford was also ruled out for the second half with a right ankle sprain, further weakening Dallas inside.
The frontcourt was already without Anthony Davis, sidelined with ligament damage in his left hand, and Dereck Lively II, who is out for the season following foot surgery.
Denver finished the night shooting 49 percent from the field and 42 percent from three, consistently punishing defensive breakdowns.
The Nuggets host Washington on Saturday to open a three-game homestand, while Dallas remains home to face Utah on Thursday as it searches for answers amid mounting injuries.
