Jokic and Westbrook Are on Fire as Nuggets Head to Dallas

The Denver Nuggets are making history, and they’re not slowing down. After steamrolling the Brooklyn Nets 124-105 on Friday, Denver is looking to keep the good vibes rolling when they face the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon. With six wins in their last eight games, the Nuggets are hitting their stride at just the right time.

Nuggets: Jokic and Westbrook Are a Power Duo

If you’re not watching Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook right now, what are you even doing? These two have been unstoppable, and Friday’s game was the perfect example. Both Jokic and Westbrook dropped triple-doubles—again. It’s the second time in two weeks they’ve done it, making them the first teammates in NBA history to pull this off multiple times in a single season.

• Nikola Jokic: The man is on another level. He leads the Nuggets in scoring (31.6 PPG), rebounds (13 RPG), and assists (9.9 APG). Oh, and he casually put up 35 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds Friday—while recovering from an illness.
• Russell Westbrook: Starting in place of the injured Aaron Gordon, Westbrook has been everything the Nuggets needed. His energy and playmaking have been key to this hot streak.

Even coach Michael Malone couldn’t believe it: “We’re watching history, folks,” he said after Friday’s game.

The only hiccup? Injuries.

• Aaron Gordon: Out since Christmas with a calf strain, but there’s a chance he could be back Sunday.
• Jamal Murray: Left Friday’s game with knee soreness, and his status is up in the air. Losing their second-leading scorer (19 PPG) would be a big blow.

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Mavericks: Down but Not Out

The Mavericks are in a tough spot. Their two superstars, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, are out, but they’ve somehow managed to win two straight after a brutal five-game skid.

• Luka Doncic: Out since Christmas with a calf strain, and his 28.1 PPG is a huge loss.
• Kyrie Irving: Hasn’t played since Jan. 1 due to a back issue. While he’s back to light shooting, he’s not ready to suit up yet.

Coach Jason Kidd is staying optimistic, especially about Dante Exum, who’s inching closer to making his season debut after wrist surgery. “He’s in great shape and ready to go as soon as he gets cleared,” Kidd said.

The Mavs know Sunday’s game will be a challenge, especially against a red-hot Nuggets squad. But they’re not backing down.

Why This Game Matters

This matchup has all the drama you’d expect:

1. Denver’s Dominance: Jokic is playing at an MVP level, and Westbrook is showing why he’s still a force. Can they keep it up?
2. Dallas’ Grit: The Mavs are missing their stars, but they’ve shown resilience. Will it be enough?
3. History in the Making: Watching Jokic and Westbrook together is like catching lightning in a bottle. Don’t miss it.

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What’s Next?

Sunday’s game is the first of two in Dallas, with the season series tied 1-1. Whether the Nuggets keep making history or the Mavs pull off an upset, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a game worth watching. Grab your popcorn.