Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks Match Player Stats

The denver nuggets vs dallas mavericks match player stats from December 1, 2025, tell a much more detailed story than the final score alone. Dallas defeated Denver 131-121 at Ball Arena, overcoming a 17-point deficit and closing the game with a decisive fourth-quarter surge. Anthony Davis led the Mavericks with 32 points and 13 rebounds, while rookie Ryan Nembhard produced a career-best 28 points and 10 assists. Cooper Flagg added 24 points and 8 rebounds, giving Dallas three major offensive contributors.

Denver had its own outstanding individual performances. Nikola Jokic recorded 29 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists for his 11th triple-double of the season. Spencer Jones also delivered a career-high 28 points while shooting 11-for-15 from the field. Yet those performances were not enough because Dallas combined efficient shooting, strong ball movement, and a major fourth-quarter response.

The game is particularly useful for anyone trying to understand why individual statistics cannot always be separated from team context. Denver won the opening quarter 41-27 and still led by four entering the fourth quarter, but Dallas finished the night with a 29-17 advantage in the final period. The Mavericks also shot 56% from the field and 52% from three-point range, while Denver shot 47% overall and 32% from three.

Game Overview

The Mavericks entered the contest at 6-15 and the Nuggets at 14-5 before the result. Dallas eventually improved to 7-15, while Denver fell to 14-6. The game was played at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, in front of 19,587 spectators.

The official game record lists the contest as December 1, 2025, local to Denver, with the NBA game information also displaying December 2 because of the UTC date. The final score was Dallas 131, Denver 121.

Final Score by Quarter

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Dallas Mavericks	27	42	33	29	131
Denver Nuggets	41	27	36	17	121

The quarter-by-quarter numbers reveal the game’s turning points immediately.

Denver controlled the first quarter, scoring 41 points while holding Dallas to 27. The Nuggets then gave back 14 points of that advantage in the second quarter as Dallas exploded for 42 points.

Denver regained momentum in the third quarter, scoring 36 points to Dallas’ 33. That left the Nuggets ahead by four entering the fourth.

The final period completely changed the game. Dallas scored 29 points while Denver managed only 17. The Mavericks eventually created separation with a late 18-5 run, while Denver went through an extended scoring drought.

Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks Match Player Stats

The individual numbers show why this matchup was competitive for most of the night.

Dallas Mavericks Player Statistics

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Key Detail
Anthony Davis	32	13	4	13-of-23 FG
Ryan Nembhard	28	3*	10	12-of-14 FG, 4-of-5 3PT
Cooper Flagg	24	8	2	10-of-19 FG
Klay Thompson	15	5	1	3 three-pointers
Naji Marshall	9	7	6	Strong secondary playmaking
Max Christie	9	2	1	Efficient supporting role

*The NBA box score should be used for complete player-by-player rebound totals. The supplied summary did not provide Nembhard’s rebound figure.

Anthony Davis was Dallas’ leading scorer with 32 points. He shot 13-of-23 from the field, converted two of four attempts from three-point range, and added 13 rebounds and four assists. His efficiency was particularly important because Dallas needed a reliable interior scoring option against a Denver team built around Jokic.

Ryan Nembhard was arguably the game’s most unexpected statistical contributor. He scored 28 points and recorded 10 assists while shooting 12-of-14 from the field and 4-of-5 from three. The performance was a career high in both points and assists, according to the Associated Press report carried by ESPN and the NBA’s coverage.

Cooper Flagg continued to provide a major two-way contribution. He finished with 24 points and eight rebounds while shooting 10-of-19 from the field. His scoring helped Dallas maintain pressure even when Denver’s defense focused heavily on Davis and Nembhard.

Klay Thompson contributed 15 points, while Naji Marshall supplied nine points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Marshall’s passing was especially useful because Dallas did not rely exclusively on isolation scoring.

Denver Nuggets Player Statistics

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Key Detail
Nikola Jokic	29	20	13	Triple-double
Spencer Jones	28	5	Not listed in supplied summary	11-of-15 FG, 4-of-6 3PT
Peyton Watson	15	5	3	Important late scoring
Jamal Murray	10	4	9	Left late after injury issue
Cameron Johnson	10	1	2	Secondary scoring
Jonas Valanciunas	8	7	2	Interior contribution

Nikola Jokic once again filled virtually every statistical category. He scored 29 points, grabbed 20 rebounds, and delivered 13 assists. It was his 11th triple-double of the season and the 175th triple-double of his NBA career.

Jokic’s 20 rebounds were especially important because Denver finished with 47 total rebounds compared with Dallas’ 43. The Nuggets also collected 12 offensive rebounds, five more than Dallas. Those numbers normally create extra possessions, but Dallas compensated through shooting efficiency and offensive execution.

Spencer Jones was another major positive for Denver. He scored a career-high 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting and made four of six three-point attempts. His performance prevented the Nuggets from becoming overly dependent on Jokic for scoring.

Jamal Murray finished with 10 points, four rebounds, and nine assists. He experienced an in-game injury issue and ultimately did not play in the fourth quarter, reducing Denver’s available offensive creation at the most important stage of the contest.

Shooting Efficiency Decided the Game

One of the clearest lessons from this matchup is that rebounding and playmaking advantages do not automatically translate into victory.

Dallas shot 53-of-95 from the field, good for approximately 56%. The Mavericks also made 16 of 31 three-point attempts, or approximately 52%.

Denver made 47 of 99 field-goal attempts, approximately 47%, and connected on 12 of 37 three-point attempts, approximately 32%. The Nuggets were better at the free-throw line, converting 15 of 18 attempts compared with Dallas’ 9 of 14.

That shooting gap was enormous.

Dallas attempted four fewer field goals but made six more shots. From three-point range, the Mavericks made four more shots while attempting six fewer threes.

This meant Dallas generated considerably more scoring value from its shooting opportunities.

The numbers also explain why Denver could dominate certain parts of the game without controlling the overall result. The Nuggets created extra possessions through offensive rebounding and limited turnovers, but Dallas converted its offensive opportunities at a much higher rate.

How Dallas Came Back From a 17-Point Deficit

The comeback is one of the most important elements of this matchup.

Denver opened the game aggressively and built a 17-point advantage early. The Nuggets appeared to have control, especially after scoring 41 points in the first quarter.

Dallas responded before halftime.

The Mavericks produced a 16-0 run during the second quarter and eventually took a 69-68 halftime lead. That sequence changed the psychological and tactical shape of the game. Instead of chasing Denver throughout the second half, Dallas entered halftime with confidence.

The third quarter remained close. Denver scored 36 points and Dallas scored 33, meaning the Nuggets regained a small amount of momentum.

However, Dallas had already demonstrated that Denver’s early lead was not safe.

The fourth quarter was the decisive stage.

Dallas used an 18-5 run late in the game to create a 129-117 lead with 1:29 remaining. Denver then missed 10 consecutive shots during a critical stretch, including six three-point attempts.

That sequence explains the final 10-point margin better than the overall box score alone.

Anthony Davis’ Impact

Anthony Davis’ 32-point performance was central to Dallas’ success.

He returned to the lineup shortly before this game after missing 14 contests. His second game back produced a season-high 32 points and 13 rebounds.

The timing mattered.

Denver’s defensive structure had to account for Jokic on one end and Davis on the other. Davis gave Dallas an interior scoring threat while also providing rebounding and defensive length.

His 13 rebounds tied his season high at that point, according to the game report.

Davis also shot 13-of-23 from the field, allowing Dallas to avoid relying solely on perimeter shooting. That balance became important when Denver attempted to recover from its early deficit.

Ryan Nembhard’s Breakout Performance

Ryan Nembhard delivered one of the most significant individual performances of the game.

His 28 points and 10 assists were both career highs. He also shot 12-of-14 overall and 4-of-5 from three-point range.

The combination of efficiency and playmaking is what makes his performance particularly notable.

Scoring 28 points is impressive by itself. Doing it on 14 field-goal attempts is even more efficient. Nembhard also created opportunities for teammates rather than simply hunting his own shot.

His third-quarter production was particularly important. NBA coverage noted that he scored 15 points in the third quarter alone, helping Dallas remain in control of the game’s momentum.

For anyone studying player statistics, Nembhard’s performance is a useful reminder to look beyond points per game.

A player who scores 28 points on highly efficient shooting while creating 10 assists can influence the game in multiple ways.

Nikola Jokic Produced a Historic Statistical Line

Jokic’s 29-point, 20-rebound, 13-assist performance would normally be enough to dominate the conversation around a game.

It was his 11th triple-double of the season and his 175th career triple-double.

His scoring was not especially efficient by his own standards, as he made 10 of 24 field-goal attempts. However, his overall contribution remained enormous because of the rebounding and passing.

Jokic collected 20 rebounds while producing 13 assists. That means he directly influenced a substantial portion of Denver’s offensive possessions while also controlling the defensive glass.

The problem for Denver was that his statistical production did not receive enough complementary efficiency.

Spencer Jones helped considerably with 28 points, but Denver’s overall shooting numbers remained below Dallas’ level.

Spencer Jones Emerged as an Important Contributor

The Spencer Jones was one of Denver’s brightest individual stories.

He scored a career-high 28 points and made 11 of 15 field-goal attempts. He also hit four of six three-point attempts.

His shooting provided Denver with an important secondary scoring source.

Jones’ performance also showed how a supporting player can dramatically change the offensive profile of a team. When Denver’s primary offensive engine was facing pressure, Jones was able to punish defensive space.

The challenge was consistency across the entire lineup.

Denver received 29 points from Jokic and 28 from Jones, but the Mavericks still generated more efficient offense across their leading contributors.

Ball Movement and Turnovers

The assist and turnover numbers were relatively close.

Dallas recorded 35 assists and eight turnovers.

Denver recorded 37 assists and seven turnovers.

At first glance, that suggests Denver actually handled the ball slightly better.

That is an important detail because it prevents a simplistic explanation of the result.

Dallas did not win because Denver turned the ball over repeatedly. In fact, Denver committed one fewer turnover.

Dallas won despite the small turnover disadvantage because its shooting efficiency was much stronger.

The Mavericks also benefited from the combination of Davis’ interior scoring, Flagg’s scoring, and Nembhard’s playmaking.

This is why box-score analysis works best when several categories are considered together.

Rebounding Battle

Denver won the overall rebounding battle 47-43.

The Nuggets also dominated offensive rebounding 12-7.

That gave Denver additional possessions and helped keep the game competitive.

Jokic led the way with 20 rebounds, while Davis had 13 for Dallas. Flagg added eight rebounds, and Marshall collected seven.

Yet the four-rebound team advantage did not overcome Dallas’ shooting edge.

This is a good example of why one statistical category should not be treated as a complete explanation for a basketball result.

Extra possessions matter, but what happens with those possessions matters just as much.

Three-Point Shooting Was a Major Difference

The three-point numbers were among the clearest statistical separators.

Dallas:

• 16 made three-pointers
• 31 attempts
• Approximately 52% from three

Denver:

• 12 made three-pointers
• 37 attempts
• Approximately 32% from three

Dallas therefore made four more three-pointers while attempting six fewer.

That combination is difficult for an opponent to overcome.

The Mavericks did not simply shoot more threes. They shot them more accurately.

Ryan Nembhard’s 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc and Cooper Flagg’s overall offensive contribution were especially valuable. Klay Thompson also added three made threes.

Denver received four made threes from Spencer Jones, but the rest of the team could not match Dallas’ overall perimeter efficiency.

Fourth Quarter Breakdown

The fourth quarter deserves separate attention because it explains the final result better than the first three periods.

Dallas scored 29 points.

Denver scored 17.

That 12-point difference essentially produced the final margin.

The Mavericks were able to maintain offensive pressure while Denver’s shooting collapsed. The Nuggets missed 10 consecutive shots during a crucial late stretch, including six three-point attempts.

Dallas then converted its opportunities and stretched the lead.

This was not simply a case of one team making a few more shots. The late-game sequence involved shot creation, defensive pressure, possession management, and Dallas’ ability to sustain its offensive efficiency.

Why the Matchup Was Statistically Interesting

The game contained several statistical contradictions that make it particularly valuable to analyze.

Denver:

• Had more total rebounds
• Had more offensive rebounds
• Had more assists
• Had fewer turnovers
• Had more free-throw attempts converted
• Had a 17-point early lead

Dallas:

• Shot a much higher field-goal percentage
• Shot dramatically better from three
• Had three major scoring contributors
• Overcame the early deficit
• Won the fourth quarter by 12 points
• Finished with 131 points

This contrast demonstrates that basketball outcomes are usually determined by the interaction of multiple statistical categories rather than one isolated number.

What the Player Stats Reveal About Team Strategy

The player statistics also provide clues about how both teams generated offense.

Dallas had multiple pathways to scoring.

Davis could attack around the basket and from mid-range. Flagg could create his own offense. Nembhard could both score and facilitate. Thompson provided perimeter spacing, while Marshall supplied secondary playmaking.

That variety made it difficult for Denver to completely shut down Dallas.

Denver, meanwhile, continued to rely heavily on Jokic’s all-around influence. His 13 assists demonstrate that Denver’s offense was not simply based on post scoring. He remained a central decision-maker throughout the game.

Murray’s injury situation complicated that structure. Although he returned during the game, he ultimately did not play the fourth quarter, leaving Denver without one of its primary creators during the closing stretch.

Advanced Interpretation of the Box Score

A useful way to study the game is to separate volume from efficiency.

Denver generated plenty of statistical volume.

The Nuggets took 99 field-goal attempts and collected 47 rebounds. They also generated 37 assists.

But Dallas converted its offensive opportunities more efficiently.

The Mavericks made 53 of 95 field goals. That is a substantial efficiency advantage.

The same pattern appeared from three-point range.

This distinction is important for anyone using player statistics to understand basketball. A player can accumulate a large number of shots, rebounds, or assists without necessarily producing the same offensive value as a more efficient player.

Jokic’s line remains extraordinary because it combined volume across scoring, rebounding, and passing. However, Dallas’ collective efficiency ultimately had a greater effect on the final scoreboard.

The Most Important Statistical Takeaways

Several numbers stand out when the entire game is considered.

1. Dallas shot 56% from the field

That was the foundation of the Mavericks’ offensive performance.

2. Dallas made 16 three-pointers

The Mavericks’ 52% three-point shooting created a major scoring advantage.

3. Anthony Davis scored 32 points

His scoring and 13 rebounds gave Dallas an inside presence.

4. Ryan Nembhard recorded 28 points and 10 assists

His career-best performance provided both scoring and playmaking.

5. Nikola Jokic recorded 29 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists

His triple-double was one of the strongest individual statistical performances of the night.

6. Spencer Jones scored 28 points

His career-high performance helped Denver stay competitive.

7. Denver won the rebounding battle

The Nuggets collected 47 rebounds compared with Dallas’ 43.

8. Dallas dominated the fourth quarter

The Mavericks outscored Denver 29-17 in the final period.

A Better Way to Read Player Statistics

When readers search for match player statistics, they often begin with points.

Points are important, but they should be the starting point rather than the endpoint.

A more complete process is:

1. Check the final score.
2. Compare each team’s shooting percentage.
3. Review three-point efficiency.
4. Identify the leading scorers.
5. Check rebounds and offensive rebounds.
6. Review assists and turnovers.
7. Look at the quarter-by-quarter scoring.
8. Identify injuries or rotation changes.
9. Examine fourth-quarter performance.
10. Compare individual production with team efficiency.

Using that process for this game makes the result much easier to understand.

If someone looked only at Jokic’s 29-point triple-double, they might assume Denver controlled the game.

If they looked only at Dallas’ 131 points, they might overlook the Mavericks’ early deficit.

The complete statistical picture explains both sides.

What Happened to Denver’s Early Advantage?

Denver’s first-quarter performance was excellent.

The Nuggets scored 41 points and built a substantial advantage.

The issue was maintaining that level.

Dallas scored 42 points in the second quarter and completely erased the deficit. Denver then won the third quarter by only three points before Dallas took control in the fourth.

The sequence shows that an early lead is not necessarily a sign of sustained offensive control.

Dallas repeatedly responded whenever Denver appeared ready to regain momentum.

Why the Fourth Quarter Matters So Much

Fourth-quarter statistics often reveal the difference between maintaining a close game and finishing one.

In this contest, Dallas scored 29 points while Denver scored only 17.

The Mavericks also used an 18-5 run to move from a four-point deficit into a 12-point lead late in the period.

Denver’s 10 consecutive missed shots during the closing stretch were especially costly.

When a team is already trailing late, consecutive empty possessions can rapidly transform a competitive game into a double-digit defeat.

That is exactly what happened here.

Official Game Record and Statistical Verification

For readers who want to verify individual minutes, shooting percentages, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers, fouls, and plus-minus figures, the official NBA box score is the most useful primary reference. official NBA box score

The official record confirms the 131-121 final score, the 41-27 opening quarter for Denver, Dallas’ 42-point second quarter, and the 29-17 fourth-quarter advantage for the Mavericks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who led the Mavericks in scoring against the Nuggets?

Anthony Davis led Dallas with 32 points. He also collected 13 rebounds and four assists.

How many points did Ryan Nembhard score?

Ryan Nembhard scored 28 points and recorded 10 assists. Both totals were career highs in this game. He shot 12-of-14 from the field and 4-of-5 from three-point range.

How many points and rebounds did Nikola Jokic have?

Nikola Jokic finished with 29 points and 20 rebounds. He also recorded 13 assists, producing his 11th triple-double of the season.

Who scored 28 points for Denver?

Spencer Jones scored 28 points for Denver. He shot 11-of-15 from the field and made four of six three-point attempts.

What was the final score between Dallas and Denver?

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Denver Nuggets 131-121 at Ball Arena. Dallas won the fourth quarter 29-17 after trailing by four entering the period.

Which team shot better from three-point range?

Dallas shot approximately 52% from three-point range, making 16 of 31 attempts. Denver made 12 of 37 attempts, or approximately 32%.

Conclusion

The denver nuggets vs dallas mavericks match player stats from December 1, 2025, show how a game can be shaped by efficiency, depth, and late-game execution even when one team produces extraordinary individual numbers.

Anthony Davis led Dallas with 32 points and 13 rebounds, while Ryan Nembhard added 28 points and 10 assists in a career-best performance. Cooper Flagg supplied 24 points and eight rebounds, giving the Mavericks several dependable offensive options.

Denver received remarkable production from Nikola Jokic, who posted 29 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists. Spencer Jones added a career-high 28 points, while Jamal Murray finished with 10 points and nine assists.

Denver also held advantages in rebounds, offensive rebounds, assists, and turnovers. Those numbers demonstrate that Dallas did not win simply by controlling every statistical category.

The decisive difference was efficiency. Dallas shot approximately 56% from the field and 52% from three-point range, compared with Denver’s 47% field-goal shooting and 32% three-point shooting. The Mavericks then turned that efficiency into a decisive 29-17 fourth quarter.

For anyone studying player statistics, this game is a strong example of why individual box-score numbers should always be interpreted within the larger team context. Jokic’s triple-double, Davis’ scoring, Nembhard’s efficiency, Jones’ shooting, Dallas’ three-point accuracy, Denver’s rebounding advantage, and the fourth-quarter scoring split all contributed to the final story.

Dallas ultimately won 131-121 and took a 1-0 lead in the season series.