The Denver Nuggets take aim at their fourth consecutive victory when they face the Mavericks on Tuesday night in the second straight meeting between the teams in Dallas.
Denver has won seven of its past nine games entering the rematch, while Dallas has dropped six of its past eight contests.
Aside from cold temperatures, Nuggets coach Michael Malone liked the schedule breaking this way.
“On one end you like the fact that you’re playing two games in the same city, so it’s taking out some flights, which you appreciate,” Malone told reporters. “I was hoping Dallas would be a little bit warmer. But I do like the fact that when we’re here it’s like a mini-playoff series. You get a chance to play them twice. And after the game you’re going back to the hotel, you get a good meal and you get a practice (Monday).
“Any time you can limit the travel and the flights and the late nights, that’s definitely going to be a benefit.”
The Nuggets recorded a 112-101 victory over the Mavericks on Sunday, dominating the fourth quarter. Denver trailed by 12 in the opening two minutes of the period but outscored Dallas 33-12 in the decisive frame.
Russell Westbrook recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists while making 10 of 17 field-goal attempts for the Nuggets.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic just missed a triple-double with 19 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists to go along with three steals for Denver.
Jokic could be on his way to MVP No. 4. He is averaging 31.2 points per game and making 47.1 percent of his 3-point attempts while continuing his assault as a rebounder and passer. Jokic’s career-best scoring average entering this season was 27.1, and his current 3-point percentage is much higher than his previous best of 39.6 percent.
“He’s shooting 48 (percent) from three and being a volume 3-point shooter,” Malone said of Jokic. “Well, now you’re adding the most efficient post-up player in the game, one of the greatest playmakers in the game and a guy that is lethal from 3-point range.
“The numbers don’t define greatest for me. It’s a way to describe him. But I think his impact, his intelligence and his ability to make everyone around him better is the same as it’s always been. It’s just unique.”
Denver forward Aaron Gordon (calf) returned from a nine-game absence on Sunday and had 13 points and six rebounds.
Tuesday’s game is the final one between the teams in the regular season. Denver has a 2-1 edge against the Mavericks.
In Sunday’s game, Klay Thompson contributed 25 points thanks in large part to six 3-pointers for Dallas. It was his first 20-point output since Dec. 19.
The Mavericks led by as many as 19 before collapsing.
Dallas is struggling with its top two players sidelined with injuries — Luka Doncic (left calf strain) and Kyrie Irving (back sprain) — but Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is refusing to use their absences as an excuse.
“With injuries, you give others the opportunity to show the energy and effort that they can display,” Kidd said. “As much as injuries or an illness can be a negative, it’s a positive, because right now you can see our team is playing together and we don’t have to rely on one or the other two stars to carry that load.”
Doncic was injured on Christmas Day and is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Jan. 27. Once he misses Tuesday’s game, he will be eliminated from MVP consideration.
A player must play in at least 65 games to be eligible for the award. Tuesday’s absence will be Doncic’s 18th of the season.
“Unfortunately, he isn’t eligible to win the MVP, but it’s a team sport and understanding that we need him back to win the championship,” Kidd said. “So, understanding that individual awards will come, but we’re playing to win a championship and hopefully we can get him back soon.”
Doncic finished third in MVP balloting last season after averaging a career-best 33.9 points. Jokic won the award, and Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished second.
–Field Level Media
