Dallas Mavericks' bench rallies to secure comeback road win over Denver Nuggets

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The Dallas Mavericks rallied late to pull off a 109-106 comeback win over the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center, handing them their first loss of the season. 

With Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis struggling offensively, combining for 22 points on 7-of-26 from the field, the Mavs' second-unit took control down the stretch, with nine players scoring in double figures on the night.

Maxi Kleber and Tim Hardaway Jr. led the way with 14 points apiece, while Delon Wright added 12, Jalen Brunson 11 and Justin Jackson 10 as the Mavs bench outscored the Nuggets reserves 61-22.

Denver looked in control, leading by as many 11 points in the third quarter before the Mavs reeled off a 30-10 run to give them a 103-94 lead midway through the fourth quarter, led by some lights out three-point shooting from Dorian Finney-Smith and Hardaway Jr. 

A Gary Harris triple cut the lead to 107-106 and Denver looked to have taken the lead on a Jamal Murray layup that was called for goaltending, however, Dallas coach Rick Carlisle challenged the call, which was overturned upon review, keeping the Mavs in front. 

With the game in the balance, Doncic, who scored 12 points on 3-of-12 shooting gave the Mavs a three-point lead with 47.1 seconds remaining, slicing through the Nuggets defence with a clutch reverse layup.

After Nikola Jokic turned the ball over, Doncic had a chance to ice the game at the free-throw line, but missed both, giving the Nuggets an opportunity tie it. Under plenty of pressure, Jamal Murray airballed his attempt from deep and the Mavs held on to give the Nuggets just their 18th home loss since the start of the 2017-18 season.

Jokic finished with his second triple-double of the season, with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while Paul Millsap led the way with 23 points and eight rebounds. 

Will Barton added 19 points and 11 rebounds, with Jamal Murray and Gary Harris adding 16 apiece.

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Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.