### Mavericks Triumph in Nail-Biter Against Nuggets, Highlighting Cooper Flagg's Stellar Performance The Dallas Mavericks secured a thrilling 131-130 victory over the Denver Nuggets on December 24, 2025, thanks to standout performances from rookie Cooper Flagg and veteran Anthony Davis. Flagg, who scored 33 points, narrowly missed a triple-double with nine rebounds and nine assists, while Davis contributed 31 points and nine rebounds. This win not only ended the Mavericks' two-game losing streak but also marked a significant moment for Flagg, who became the first 19-year-old in NBA history to achieve such a performance [https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/cooper-flagg-makes-another-statement-dropping-33-in-win-over-jokic-nuggets]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - The Mavericks edged out the Nuggets in a closely contested match, with Flagg's late-game heroics proving crucial. - The Nuggets had their 11-game road winning streak snapped, despite strong performances from Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, who scored 31 and 29 points, respectively [https://apnews.com/article/mavericks-nuggets-score-c6101c02cc25d2ec2c9c4af265172a2a]. 2. **Flagg's Performance** - Flagg's 33 points came from an efficient 14-of-21 shooting, including a career-high four 3-pointers. - His contributions were pivotal in the final moments, assisting on a crucial 3-pointer by Naji Marshall that extended the Mavericks' lead [https://www.denver7.com/sports/nuggets/flagg-scores-33-points-davis-adds-31-as-mavericks-beat-nuggets-131-130]. 3. **Nuggets' Response** - Despite the loss, the Nuggets showcased their offensive prowess, with both Murray and Jokic delivering impressive performances. - The game concluded with a missed buzzer-beater from Peyton Watson, which could have clinched the win for Denver [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cooper-flagg-set-another-benchmark-142337448.html]. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Key Player Stats:** - **Cooper Flagg:** 33 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists - **Anthony Davis:** 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists - **Jamal Murray:** 31 points, 14 assists - **Nikola Jokic:** 29 points, 14 assists - **Game Highlights:** - Flagg's fourth 3-pointer gave the Mavericks a crucial lead late in the game. - The Mavericks' victory marked a significant turnaround after their recent struggles [https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dallas-mavericks-game-coverage/54024/recap-mavericks-nuggets-final-score-131-130-win-over-denver-nuggets-cooper-flagg-nikola-jokic]. ### Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the Mavericks and Flagg The Mavericks' narrow victory over the Nuggets not only showcased their resilience but also highlighted the emergence of Cooper Flagg as a key player in the league. 1. **Victory Significance** - The win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Mavericks and demonstrated their potential as a playoff contender. 2. **Flagg's Historic Achievement** - Flagg's performance set a new benchmark for young players in the NBA, emphasizing his role as a future star [https://www.pressherald.com/2025/12/23/flagg-just-misses-triple-double-as-mavs-edge-nuggets/nuggets-mavericks-basketball-2]. 3. **Future Implications** - The Mavericks will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, while the Nuggets will aim to rebound from this close loss [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/cooper_flagg_master_class_helps_mavericks_hold_off_massive_game_from_nuggets_duo_nikola_jokic_jamal_murray/s1_13132_43244566].