The Dallas Mavericks (27-41) watched as its double-digit lead late in the fourth quarter dwindled. Culminated by a Nikola Jokic buzzer-beating fade away, the Denver Nuggets (45-22) escaped with a 100-99 home victory.
For much of the matchup, Dallas managed to keep an electrifying Nuggets offense at bay, taking a commanding 89-79 lead into the final period. Leading by as many as 12, the game seemed to be put away.
Enter Nikola Jokic.
The all-star center shook himself loose from his quiet night, scoring nine of his 11 points in the deciding quarter. The highlight of his night came as he muscled past Dwight Powell for a leaning one-handed jumper to seal Denver’s comeback.