DALLAS — Despite rallying back from a 23-point deficit to pull within one during the final minute of Tuesday’s 105-102 loss at Denver, the Dallas Mavericks know it was a missed opportunity to claim a coveted road win after putting themselves in an uphill climb.
The Mavericks (15-30) outscored the Nuggets during the fourth quarter, 33-19, led by rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. posting 11 of his 25 points in the final period. The Mavs also trailed by just one at 103-102 after Smith’s driving three-point play with 10.4 seconds remaining. Still, despite the valiant comeback, the Mavericks know they’ll have to avoid putting themselves in that position Saturday night on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers.