Mavericks-Nuggets: Dallas Derails Denver

The Denver Nuggets were the only team to have beaten the Dallas Mavericks on their home floor this year (December 6, 2007, 122-109).

Unfortunately, they were unable to repeat that performance tonight.

Carmelo Anthony, battling an ankle sprain, was a game time decision for the Nuggets.  He did not play, and they sure could have used him.

Dirk Nowitizki had 12 points in the fourth quarter, as the Mavericks defeated the Nuggets 90-85.

Allen Iverson was the high man for his team with 23 points, and went 7-17 from the field.  Anthony Carter also had 20 for the Nuggets, and shot 8-14 from the floor.

The Mavericks were led by Nowitizki and his game high 32 points with 12-17 FG shooting.  Josh Howard had an off night, but finished second on the team in scoring with 20 points and shot 9-23 from the field.

Dallas abused Denver in the paint, outscoring them by 20+ and out rebounding them 45-40.

Iverson was forced to carry the workload, however, he did receive a little help from J.R. Smith in the first half, who contributed nine points.

The only problem was that Smith's next basket did not come until two minutes into the fourth quarter.

Swingman Linas Kleiza also pulled a disappearing act, unable to score a field goal until just 28 seconds were left in the game.  Smith finished with 12 points, and Klieza with 10.

Josh Howard did his usual quarterbacking of the offense on his way to a 20-point, eight rebound game.  This was his 11th 20+ point, five rebound+ performance of the season.

Carter kept the Nuggets from sinking by scoring nine straight points (three straight three pointers) for Denver, and four three pointers total in the quarter.

But every time Carter sounded an answer, so did Dirk.  Dirk responded to Carter’s two straight threes by hitting two straight of his own, giving the Nuggets a taste of their own medicine.

Dirk was also 6-6 from the free throw line to ice the Nuggets. Carmelo Anthony's return will probably come sometime before the All-Star game.