A 19-point comeback: Why did the Nuggets take another step forward? In one game, they were 19 points behind and eventually completed a reversal with a score of 112-101. This game, which can be called a "roller coaster of the heart," how could the Nuggets climb out of the mud? Is the chemistry between Westbrook and Jokic really the key to the Nuggets' comeback? What is the story behind the comprehensive outbreak from the bench to the starting lineup? This game not only played out excitingly but also left a pile of thought-provoking questions.
The Mavericks indeed suffered from being "short-staffed" in this game - Doncic and Irving both rested, which made people wonder, "Can the Mavericks without a leader hold up?" However, in the first half of the game, they slapped this question in the face with their actions. Especially Klay Thompson, the veteran's 11-point explosion in a single quarter made the Nuggets' defense suffer. Throughout the game, Klay hit six three-pointers and contributed 25 points, not only consolidating the Mavericks' lead of up to 19 points but also proving that he still has the ability to dominate the rhythm of the game.
However, the hidden danger of lacking core players gradually emerged. The Mavericks' tactical choices became monotonous at critical moments, lacking the control power of Doncic as the "pillar of the sea" and Irving's ability to make key shots, ultimately leading to their inability to withstand the storm of the reversal. If Klay supported the Mavericks' sky in the first half, then the wind and rain in the second half completely tore apart this sky.
Facing a huge disadvantage of 19 points, the Nuggets blew the horn of counterattack with their second-quarter rally. Among them, the performance of the bench players can be described as "a helping hand in the snow." Struthers' scramble, Jordan's rebounds, especially Gordon's 13 points after returning from the bench, allowed the Nuggets to tenaciously narrow the gap in what seemed like a desperate situation. The toughness of the bench laid the groundwork for the Nuggets' comeback.
Of course, the real hero of the comeback is none other than Westbrook. Scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists throughout the game, Westbrook once again had a highlight moment - two consecutive games with 20+10+5 also restored the fans' confidence. Especially in the fourth quarter, his two assists and key scoring moments completely locked in the victory for the Nuggets. Westbrook's outbreak not only made the Nuggets' offense more three-dimensional but also gave the team a long-lost toughness. Perhaps he is not the future core of the Nuggets, but this game proved that he is absolutely an indispensable "X factor."
The Nuggets could complete such a reversal, and there is one person who cannot be ignored, that is Jokic. This MVP-level center once again demonstrated the strength of his "all-round brain" - 19 points, 18 rebounds, 9 assists, seemingly ordinary data, but actually hiding great value. He can not only control rebounds and the rhythm of the game but also activate teammates with precise passes at critical moments, disrupting the Mavericks' defense.
Jokic's role often "moistens things silently," unlike Westbrook's eye-catching explosions, but it is precisely him who gives the Nuggets' offense a sense of order. When falling behind, he patiently sorts out the rhythm; when chasing points, he uses delicate passes to tear apart the defense; at critical moments, he can even transform into a scorer. It can be said that in this reversal of the Nuggets, Jokic is the true behind-the-scenes hero.
The partnership between Westbrook and Jokic is becoming a new "highlight" for the Nuggets. Judging from this game, Westbrook's energy and effort often make up for the shortcomings of the Nuggets' offensive end, while Jokic uses his organizational skills to make the lineup run more smoothly. Although their chemistry may still be in the stage of coordination, it is obvious that it has already shown initial results.
For the Nuggets, this victory is not only a reversal but also a signal: they have begun to find a more balanced lineup combination and at the same time discovered the potential of some bench players. This makes them appear more confident on the road to the playoffs.
Looking at the Mavericks again, although they lost unglamorously in this game, it is not without gains. The recovery of Klay's form is good news, and the combat effectiveness of the bench lineup also proves that they are not powerless when Doncic and Irving are absent. If they can integrate these highlights into the overall tactics under full health, the Mavericks' playoff performance is still worth looking forward to.
This 19-point reversal allows us to see the resilience and dual-core potential of the Nuggets, and also gives us more expectations for the future of the Mavericks. Perhaps, this is just the beginning of the hard battles between the two teams in the future.