December 24th - The Mavericks narrowly defeated the Nuggets 131-130. Flagg recorded a near triple-double with 33 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Davis contributed 31 points, becoming a key force in the team's victory. For the Nuggets, Murray scored 31 points and 14 assists, and Jokic added 29 points and 14 assists, but despite their best efforts, they suffered a heartbreaking loss.

At the start of the game, the Mavericks quickly found their rhythm, going on a 41-27 run in the first quarter to establish a lead. In the second quarter, the Mavericks extended their lead to over 20 points at one point, but the Nuggets, led by Murray and Jokic, gradually warmed up, scoring consecutive points to close the gap. At halftime, the Mavericks led 66-56.

After switching sides, the Nuggets intensified their offensive pace, briefly erasing the deficit midway through the third quarter. The two teams traded baskets, with the lead changing hands multiple times, ending the third quarter tied at 103. In the final quarter, the Mavericks held a slight advantage thanks to consistent output from Davis and Flagg, but the Nuggets remained close. The Nuggets still had a chance to win with a buzzer-beater, but Watson missed a crucial shot, squandering a golden opportunity to take the lead. Ultimately, the Mavericks narrowly defeated the Nuggets 131-130.

Nuggets player statistics

Murray 31 points , 7 rebounds, 14 assists; Jokic 29 points , 7 rebounds , 14 assists; Hardaway 23 points , 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Brown 13 points , 7 rebounds, 3 assists; Valanciunas 8 points , 1 rebound , 1 assist; Johnson 8 points, 2 rebounds , 3 assists; Strausser 8 points, 2 rebounds; Jones 6 points , 4 rebounds , 2 assists; Watson 4 points, 2 rebounds , 1 assist

Mavericks player statistics

Flagg 33 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists; Davis 31 points , 9 rebounds , 4 assists; Marshall 15 points , 4 rebounds, 3 assists; Nembuhad 11 points , 3 rebounds, 7 assists; Hardy 10 points , 2 rebounds , 2 assists; Martin 9 points, 4 rebounds , 3 assists; Williams 9 points, 2 assists; Russell 9 points, 2 rebounds , 4 assists; Gafford 4 points, 3 rebounds