The Mavericks failed to win another game 

The Dallas Mavericks, coming off a loss to the Phoenix Suns, entered Sunday night with a 5-4 record, aiming to avoid a .500 slump against the Denver Nuggets. Despite being questionable, Luka Doncic suited up to face friend Nikola Jokic. Dallas started with Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Daniel Gafford, while Denver countered with Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson, and Jokic.

The Mavericks had a slow start, quickly falling behind 11-3 before responding with some timely buckets to cut Denver’s lead to a single possession. However, Michael Porter Jr. took control, scoring five straight points after a mid-quarter timeout, helping the Nuggets extend their lead. Porter was hot early, notching 13 of Denver's first 28 points. Dallas’ offense picked up, managing 29 points in the quarter, but struggled defensively as Denver scored 35.