Mavericks Triumph Over Nuggets in Thrilling Finish
Monday, December 1, 2025, 9:00 PM ET · Ball Arena
Dallas Mavericks 131, Denver Nuggets 121, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets?
Dallas Mavericks beat Denver Nuggets 131-121 at Ball Arena on December 1, 2025.
Who was favored in Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets?
Denver Nuggets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -550 (about 85% implied). The underdog won.
In a surprising turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Denver Nuggets 131-121 at Ball Arena, marking a significant victory for the Mavericks and extending their lead in the season series to 2-0. This game showcased the Mavericks' ability to perform under pressure, especially given their struggles earlier in the season with a record of 7-15 prior to this matchup, compared to the Nuggets' strong 14-6 record.
The Mavericks entered the game with a recent record of 3-7 over their last ten games, but they managed to secure a crucial win against the LA Clippers just two days prior to facing the Nuggets. Their scoring average during that stretch was 113.5 points per game, while allowing 118.4. In contrast, the Nuggets boasted a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, averaging 125.3 points scored and 118.7 points allowed. This offensive prowess had positioned them as a formidable opponent, particularly at home, where they had a record of 14-6.
Historically, the Nuggets had a favorable record against the Mavericks, leading the all-time series 3-1. However, the Mavericks' recent victory in this matchup suggests a shift in momentum. In their previous meetings this season, the Mavericks had already secured victories of 118-99 and 112-101 against the Nuggets, indicating their ability to compete effectively.
In terms of injuries, both teams faced challenges. For the Nuggets, Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile were listed as day-to-day, while the Mavericks had Santi Aldama, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II also listed as day-to-day. The uncertainty surrounding these key players added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
The betting market reflected the Nuggets' status as favorites, with DraftKings listing them at -11.5 on the spread and a money line of -550, while the Mavericks were positioned at +410. The total for the game was set at 235.5, with the over at -115 and the under at -105.
As the game unfolded, the Mavericks demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly in the fourth quarter. Key scoring plays included Klay Thompson's alley-oop layup assisted by Anthony Davis, and a series of successful shots from Cooper Flagg, who made several critical baskets to help extend the Mavericks' lead. The Nuggets, despite their efforts, were unable to close the gap, with Peyton Watson scoring late in the game but ultimately falling short.
The Mavericks' victory not only boosts their confidence but also highlights their potential to compete against top teams in the league. The game was characterized by a fast pace and high scoring, making it an exciting watch for fans. This win could be a turning point for the Mavericks as they look to build on this momentum moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEN -11.5 | 235.5 o -115 / u -105 | Dallas Mavericks +410 · Denver Nuggets -550 |
Injury report
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
- Santi AldamaDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
- Kyrie IrvingDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
- Dereck Lively IIDay-To-DayFootDallas Mavericks
Leaders
- PointsNikola Jokic29Denver Nuggets
- AssistsNikola Jokic13Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic20Denver Nuggets
- PointsAnthony Davis32Dallas Mavericks
- AssistsRyan Nembhard10Dallas Mavericks
- ReboundsAnthony Davis13Dallas Mavericks
Recent form
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 7-3Streak W1125.3 scored · 118.7 allowed per game0-3 at home
- W130-112at Phoenix SunsNov 30
- L136-139vs San Antonio SpursNov 29
- W125-115at Memphis GrizzliesNov 25
- L123-128vs Sacramento KingsNov 23
- W112-109at Houston RocketsNov 22
- W125-118at New Orleans PelicansNov 20
- L127-130vs Chicago BullsNov 18
- W123-112at Minnesota TimberwolvesNov 16
- W130-116at LA ClippersNov 13
- W122-108at Sacramento KingsNov 12
Dallas Mavericks
Last 10: 3-7Streak W1113.5 scored · 118.4 allowed per game1-3 away
- W114-110at LA ClippersNov 30
- L119-129at Los Angeles LakersNov 29
- L102-106at Miami HeatNov 25
- L96-102vs Memphis GrizzliesNov 23
- W118-115vs New Orleans PelicansNov 22
- L111-113vs New York KnicksNov 20
- L96-120at Minnesota TimberwolvesNov 18
- W138-133vs Portland Trail BlazersNov 17
- L127-133vs LA ClippersNov 15
- L114-123vs Phoenix SunsNov 13
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Dallas Mavericks | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 53-95 | 47-99 |
| Field goal % | 56 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 16-31 | 12-37 |
| Three-point % | 52 | 32 |
| Free throws | 9-14 | 15-18 |
| Free throw % | 64 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 35 |
| Assists | 35 | 37 |
| Steals | 4 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 54 | 60 |
| Fouls | 19 | 11 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 17 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter83-86Spencer Jones makes 1-foot driving dunk (Jamal Murray assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-86Ryan Nembhard makes 27-foot three pointer (Dwight Powell assists)
- 3rd Quarter88-86Cooper Flagg makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter88-87Cameron Johnson makes free throw 2 of 3
- 3rd Quarter88-88Cameron Johnson makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter90-88Ryan Nembhard makes 3-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter90-91Peyton Watson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cameron Johnson assists)
- 3rd Quarter93-91Cooper Flagg makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ryan Nembhard assists)
- 3rd Quarter93-94Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- 3rd Quarter93-96Peyton Watson makes 1-foot dunk (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 3rd Quarter96-96Klay Thompson makes 27-foot three pointer (Dwight Powell assists)
- 3rd Quarter98-96Cooper Flagg makes 1-foot dunk (Ryan Nembhard assists)
- 3rd Quarter98-97Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter98-98Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter100-98Dwight Powell makes 1-foot layup (Klay Thompson assists)
- 3rd Quarter100-100Nikola Jokic makes driving layup (Peyton Watson assists)
- 3rd Quarter100-102Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 3rd Quarter100-103Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter100-104Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter102-104Naji Marshall makes two point shot (Brandon Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter102-107Cameron Johnson makes 24-foot three pointer (Jonas Valanciunas assists)
- 4th Quarter104-107Anthony Davis makes driving layup (D'Angelo Russell assists)
- 4th Quarter106-107Naji Marshall makes two point shot (Anthony Davis assists)
- 4th Quarter106-110Spencer Jones makes 24-foot three point jumper (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter108-110Anthony Davis makes 18-foot step back jumpshot (Brandon Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter108-112Spencer Jones makes 1-foot dunk (Tim Hardaway Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter111-112Anthony Davis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Naji Marshall assists)
- 4th Quarter112-112Klay Thompson makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter115-112D'Angelo Russell makes 28-foot three point jumper (Ryan Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter115-114Peyton Watson makes driving layup (Cameron Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter118-114Klay Thompson makes 28-foot three point jumper (Ryan Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter118-117Nikola Jokic makes 24-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter120-117Klay Thompson makes alley oop layup (Anthony Davis assists)
- 4th Quarter122-117Cooper Flagg makes 8-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter124-117Cooper Flagg makes two point shot (Naji Marshall assists)
- 4th Quarter126-117Ryan Nembhard makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter129-117Max Christie makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Ryan Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter129-119Peyton Watson makes 1-foot layup (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter129-121Peyton Watson makes 1-foot dunk (Tim Hardaway Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter131-121Anthony Davis makes dunk
Win probability
Above the line favours Denver Nuggets, below favours Dallas Mavericks.
Venue
- Ball ArenaDenver, CO
- Attendance19587
- OfficialsNick Buchert, Matt Myers, J.B. DeRosa
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