By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A fifth straight win for the Denver Nuggets in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season. Michael Porter Jr. connected a midrange jumper with seven seconds on the clock to lift his side over the Dallas Mavericks, 122-120, in Ball Arena.
The major highlight of the NBA Sundays affair was Nikola Jokic. Combining 37 points with 18 rebounds and 15 assists, the Serbian superstar made history by becoming the first player with at least 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single NBA game.
In 38 minutes, Jokic made 13/21 field goals, including 3/3 from beyond the arc. He also tucked in all of his eight free throws. He additionally registered three steals.
“We’re all running out of words, adjectives, and ways to describe his greatness and his impact. I think the simple way to say it is he’s the best player in the world,” said head coach Michael Malone.
European teammates, Slovenian Vlatko Cancar (right ankle sprain) remained on the injury list and Croatian Dario Saric stayed on the bench.
On the opposite end of the thriller, Slovenian Luka Doncic was questionable due to a left groin strain but was cleared and lasted nearly 41 minutes. He finished with 24 points alongside nine rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and one block.
After being ruled out for seven straight games, German Maxi Kleber (right hamstring strain) was also medically cleared but did not play for the team coached by Jason Kidd.
Falling to 5-5, the Mavs saw Kyrie Irving score a game-high 43 points but to no avail.