The Denver Nuggets fell 131-121 to the Dallas Mavericks in a night that felt heavier than the score . The Nuggets opened with control, rhythm, and a 41-27 lead that suggested a return to form at home, but the momentum cracked quickly. Nikola Jokic set the early tone and finished with 29 points , yet Denver’s defense unraveled as Dallas surged through the second quarter and flipped the game to 69-68 at halftime. David Adelman watched the energy fade , and the boos inside Ball Arena echoed a growing frustration.

Dallas didn’t just win the momentum swings — it won every efficiency battle. The Mavericks shot 56% from the field and 52% from three, punishing late closeouts and slow rotations. The Nuggets responded in spurts, briefly reclaiming the lead at the end of the third, but the

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