In a thrilling NBA Cup showdown, Naji Marshall erupted for a career-high 26 points, and P.J. Washington contributed 22 as the Dallas Mavericks held off the Denver Nuggets 123-120 on Friday night. Playing without Luka Doncic due to injury, the Mavericks showcased their depth, with six players scoring in double figures including Kyrie Irving who had 19.Â
Despite losing a 24-point lead, Dallas rallied in the closing moments, improving to 2-1 in West Group C and eliminating Denver from knockout round contention. Nikola Jokic returned from a three-game absence to power the Nuggets with his sixth triple-double of the season, amassing 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists.Â
After falling behind by 24 early in the third quarter, Denver stormed back to take a 113-108 lead late in the fourth. However, the Mavericks answered with an 11-2 run, with Washington scoring nine of Dallas’ final 15 points to seal the victory.
The game’s pivotal moment came in the clutch when Dereck Lively II denied Jokic and Russell Westbrook on consecutive layup attempts, preserving a tied score at 113. Westbrook shone late with three made triples in the fourth quarter, but his heroics weren’t enough to overcome Dallas’ balanced attack and timely defense.
Naji Marshall: – A
Stats: 26 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 2 fouls, 2 turnovers, 11-15 FG, 3-4 3PT FG, 1-2 FT, 26 mins
Marshall delivered a career night, scoring 26 points on an ultra-efficient 11-15 shooting, including three triples. His offensive outburst provided a much-needed spark for the Luka-less Mavericks, as he consistently attacked mismatches and finished strong at the rim. Defensively, he stayed engaged, adding a steal and helping limit Denver’s perimeter threats.
P.J. Washington: – A
Stats: 22 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 4 turnovers, 8-15 FG, 0-2 3PT FG, 6-7 FT, 36 mins
Washington showcased his two-way prowess with 22 points and 13 rebounds, dominating the boards and leading the charge down the stretch. He was a calming presence in clutch moments, hitting nine of the Mavericks’ last 15 points to seal the game. His versatility on defense and ability to get to the free-throw line were key to Dallas’ balanced attack.
Quentin Grimes: – B+
Stats: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 0 turnovers, 5-9 FG, 2-4 3PT FG, 2-2 FT, 29 mins
Grimes contributed a well-rounded 14 points, hitting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc while adding four rebounds and three assists. His off-ball movement created lanes for teammates, and his defense kept Denver’s perimeter threats in check. Grimes’ poise and ability to play within the system stood out in critical moments.
Kyrie Irving: – B
Stats: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 fouls, 3 turnovers, 7-19 FG, 1-6 3PT FG, 4-4 FT, 38 mins
While Irving was always a threat for Dallas with 19 points, his shooting was inconsistent (7-19 FG, 1-6 3PT), but he contributed across the board with six rebounds and six assists. Kyrie’s leadership was evident in keeping the team composed during Denver’s fourth-quarter rally, though his decision-making in some possessions could have been sharper.
Daniel Gafford: – B
Stats: 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, 0 turnovers, 5-7 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 3-4 FT, 27 mins
Daniel Gafford was a force in the paint, finishing with 13 points, six rebounds, and three steals while converting five of his seven field goals. His presence around the basket helped neutralize Denver’s interior scorers. Gafford’s defensive awareness and ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities kept Dallas competitive inside.
Dereck Lively II: – B
Stats: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 5 fouls, 1 turnover, 4-4 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 3-4 FT, 20 mins
Dereck Lively’s late-game heroics, including clutch blocks on Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook, solidified his growing reputation as a defensive anchor. He also contributed 11 points on perfect shooting (4-4 FG), providing an efficient option around the rim. While foul trouble limited his minutes, his timely impact cannot be overstated.
Jaden Hardy: – C+
Stats: 8 points, 0 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 1 turnover, 3-9 FG, 1-2 3PT FG, 1-2 FT, 13 mins
Hardy added eight points in 13 minutes but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 3-9 from the field. While his energy off the bench provided a brief spark, his decision-making in transition and shot selection remain areas for improvement. His willingness to attack, however, showed glimpses of his scoring potential.
Spencer Dinwiddie: – C+
Stats: 10 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 0 turnovers, 3-5 FG, 3-5 3PT FG, 1-2 FT, 16 mins
Dinwiddie’s 10 points off the bench, including three timely three-pointers, gave Dallas a lift during key stretches. Though he only played 16 minutes, his scoring punch and ability to find open spaces were valuable. Dinwiddie’s low usage and efficient shooting made him an underrated contributor to the Mavericks’ win.
Klay Thompson: – C
Stats: 0 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, 2 turnovers, 0-8 FG, 0-4 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 25 mins
Klay Thompson endured a forgettable night, going scoreless on 0-8 shooting while contributing four rebounds and four assists. Despite his offensive struggles, he worked hard defensively and continued spacing the floor, even if the shots didn’t fall. Klay’s resilience and experience will be crucial for Dallas moving forward.
Maxi Kleber: – C
Stats: 0 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 6 fouls, 0 turnovers, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 11 mins
Kleber played just 11 minutes before fouling out, failing to register a point or make much of an impact. While his defensive positioning was solid early, foul trouble limited his effectiveness. Kleber’s ability to stay disciplined in future games will be critical for his role in the rotation.
