NBA · Final

Mavericks Edge Nuggets in Thrilling Showdown

130

131

Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · American Airlines Center

Dallas Mavericks 131, Denver Nuggets 130, 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 Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks?

Dallas Mavericks beat Denver Nuggets 131-130 at American Airlines Center on December 23, 2025.

Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks?

Denver Nuggets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The underdog won.

In a closely contested matchup, the Dallas Mavericks narrowly defeated the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 131-130 at the American Airlines Center. This victory marks the Mavericks' third consecutive win over the Nuggets, extending their lead in the series to 3-0. The game was characterized by intense back-and-forth scoring, showcasing the offensive prowess of both teams.

The Mavericks entered the game with a home record of 12-19, while the Nuggets boasted a strong away record of 21-8. In their last ten games, the Mavericks had a record of 6-4, but were on a two-game losing streak prior to this matchup. Their recent form saw them averaging 119.1 points scored and allowing 118.5 points, indicating a high-scoring nature to their games. In contrast, the Nuggets were in excellent form, with an 8-2 record in their last ten games, having recently won against the Utah Jazz, and averaging 126.1 points while allowing 117.4 points.

At home, the Mavericks had been performing well, with a perfect 4-0 record in their last four home games. However, their away record was less impressive at 2-4. The Nuggets, on the other hand, had a strong away record of 5-0 in their last five games, demonstrating their ability to perform outside of their home arena.

In terms of injuries, both teams faced challenges. The Mavericks had Santi Aldama, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II listed as day-to-day due to knee and foot issues. The Nuggets also had Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile listed as day-to-day, adding an element of uncertainty to their lineup.

The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the game, with DraftKings listing the Nuggets as 6.5-point favorites. The total points line was set at 236.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The Mavericks were given a moneyline of +200, while the Nuggets were favored at -245, suggesting a belief in the Nuggets' ability to win the game.

The conditions for the game were ideal for basketball, with a packed venue at the American Airlines Center adding to the electric atmosphere. Fans were treated to a thrilling display of skill, particularly in the fourth quarter, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key scoring plays included a tip-in dunk by Daniel Gafford and a crucial three-point jumper by Cooper Flagg, which helped the Mavericks maintain their slim lead.

Viewers were treated to a showcase of talent, with standout performances from both teams. The Mavericks' ability to execute under pressure proved vital, as they managed to hold off a late surge from the Nuggets, who had their own moments of brilliance, including a three-pointer from Jamal Murray. The game exemplified the competitive spirit of the NBA, with both teams fighting until the final buzzer.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	DEN -6.5	236.5 o -110 / u -110	Denver Nuggets -245 · Dallas Mavericks +200

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Santi AldamaDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
Kyrie IrvingDay-To-DayKneeDallas Mavericks
Dereck Lively IIDay-To-DayFootDallas Mavericks
Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets

Leaders

PointsCooper Flagg33Dallas Mavericks
AssistsCooper Flagg9Dallas Mavericks
ReboundsCooper Flagg9Dallas Mavericks
PointsJamal Murray31Denver Nuggets
AssistsJamal Murray14Denver Nuggets
ReboundsJamal Murray7Denver Nuggets

Recent form

Dallas Mavericks

Last 10: 6-4Streak L2119.1 scored · 118.5 allowed per game4-0 at home

L113-119at New Orleans PelicansDec 23
L114-121at Philadelphia 76ersDec 21
W116-114vs Detroit PistonsDec 19
L133-140at Utah JazzDec 16
W119-111vs Brooklyn NetsDec 13
W122-109vs Houston RocketsDec 7
L111-132at Oklahoma City ThunderDec 6
W118-108vs Miami HeatDec 4
W131-121at Denver NuggetsDec 2
W114-110at LA ClippersNov 30

Denver Nuggets

Last 10: 8-2Streak W1126.1 scored · 117.4 allowed per game5-0 away

W135-112vs Utah JazzDec 23
L101-115vs Houston RocketsDec 20
W126-115vs Orlando MagicDec 19
W128-125vs Houston RocketsDec 16
W136-105at Sacramento KingsDec 12
W115-106at Charlotte HornetsDec 7
W134-133at Atlanta HawksDec 6
W135-120at Indiana PacersDec 4
L121-131vs Dallas MavericksDec 2
W130-112at Phoenix SunsNov 30

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
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
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

Box score

Stat	Denver Nuggets	Dallas Mavericks
Field goals	50-87	53-93
Field goal %	57	57
Three-pointers	20-41	11-27
Three-point %	49	41
Free throws	10-10	14-15
Free throw %	100	93
Rebounds	34	36
Offensive rebounds	7	11
Defensive rebounds	27	25
Assists	39	34
Steals	8	9
Blocks	1	2
Turnovers	15	10
Team turnovers	0	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	22	13
Fast-break points	14	20
Points in the paint	50	66
Fouls	16	12
Largest lead	3	21
Lead changes	6	6
Time in front	6	90

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter85-96Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 24-foot three pointer (Nikola Jokic assists)
3rd Quarter85-98Anthony Davis makes tip shot
3rd Quarter87-98Nikola Jokic makes driving layup (Tim Hardaway Jr. assists)
3rd Quarter87-100Caleb Martin makes 21-foot jumper
3rd Quarter90-100Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Spencer Jones assists)
3rd Quarter92-100Bruce Brown makes running layup (Jamal Murray assists)
3rd Quarter92-101Brandon Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter95-101Nikola Jokic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cameron Johnson assists)
3rd Quarter98-101Julian Strawther makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cameron Johnson assists)
3rd Quarter98-102Brandon Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter98-103Brandon Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter101-103Cameron Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
3rd Quarter103-103Bruce Brown makes 1-foot layup (Nikola Jokic assists)
4th Quarter106-103Julian Strawther makes 22-foot three point jumper (Bruce Brown assists)
4th Quarter106-105Ryan Nembhard makes 6-foot two point shot
4th Quarter107-105Jonas Valanciunas makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter108-105Jonas Valanciunas makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter108-107Ryan Nembhard makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter108-109Ryan Nembhard makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Jaden Hardy assists)
4th Quarter110-109Jonas Valanciunas makes 4-foot hook shot (Jamal Murray assists)
4th Quarter110-111Anthony Davis makes tip shot
4th Quarter110-113Jaden Hardy makes two point shot (Caleb Martin assists)
4th Quarter112-113Bruce Brown makes two point shot
4th Quarter112-115Anthony Davis makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot (Cooper Flagg assists)
4th Quarter114-115Jamal Murray makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
4th Quarter114-117Anthony Davis makes 10-foot fade away jump shot (Cooper Flagg assists)
4th Quarter116-117Bruce Brown makes 1-foot layup (Jamal Murray assists)
4th Quarter118-117Nikola Jokic makes layup (Jamal Murray assists)
4th Quarter118-118Anthony Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter118-119Anthony Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter118-121Anthony Davis makes 15-foot fade away jump shot
4th Quarter121-121Bruce Brown makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jokic assists)
4th Quarter121-123Daniel Gafford makes tip in dunk
4th Quarter121-126Cooper Flagg makes 25-foot three point jumper (Anthony Davis assists)
4th Quarter123-126Jamal Murray makes two point shot
4th Quarter123-128Cooper Flagg makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter125-128Nikola Jokic makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Jamal Murray assists)
4th Quarter125-131Naji Marshall makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cooper Flagg assists)
4th Quarter128-131Jamal Murray makes 25-foot three pointer (Nikola Jokic assists)
4th Quarter130-131Nikola Jokic makes 3-foot two point shot (Jamal Murray assists)