NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks

The Denver Nuggets travelled to Dallas, Texas to face off against the Dallas Mavericks in an interesting game. The Denver Nuggets managed to win this game, coming out on top 114-104.

The Nuggets improved to a 40-18 this season while the Mavericks, who seem to have given up on the playoffs this season, are at 26-32. With this in mind, let us look at the 3 biggest talking points from Denver Nuggets beating the Dallas Mavericks.

#3 Isaiah Thomas looks ready to go

Denver Nuggets have a returning Thomas back on the court

The Denver Nuggets were already in a strong position this season, with their roster depth at par with some of the top teams in the NBA like the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics among others.

The breakout campaigns for Juan Hernangomez, Monte Morris, Torrey Craig and Malik Beasley has been superb for the Nuggets as the numerous injuries faced by their star players has not been a downer for them.

They have managed to go from strength to strength in these games and have just gotten better. Now they are almost at full strength with Thomas returning to the team after a long layoff with a hip injury and it seems like he is raring to go.

In the 2 games, he has gotten on the court, Thomas has been great for the Nuggets. He played only 13 minutes in his debut against the Kings but shot 2 3-pointers, one of which was a clutch shot to get the Nuggets in front and on their way to a win.

In his 2nd game, after the All-Star break, against the Mavericks, Isaiah played 16 minutes, scoring 16 points with 5-11 shooting, 2 assists and 3 rebounds. The fact that Thomas took 11 shots in such a short span with great accuracy is an encouraging sign and his role from the bench for Nuggets could be crucial as they look to mount a solid playoff run.

#2 The Dallas Mavericks really miss Luka Doncic

2019 Rookie of the Year seems to be in Luka's pocket

The Dallas Mavericks seemed to have struck a goldmine when they decided to trade up with the Atlanta Hawks for the European enigma that is Luka Doncic and boy has he been amazing.

He is probably leading all the votes for the Rookie of the Year this season and almost made his way to the All-Star team, first since Blake Griffin in 2011. He has averaged more than 20 points a game, under 6 assists and over 7 rebounds a game too, joining a short list of NBA Hall of Famers that have done this in their rookie season.

It seems to be obvious then why the Mavericks seem to be so out of sorts when Doncic is off the floor. He has already become the go-to player for this team in his first season and with the team trading for an injured Kristaps Porzingis before the trade deadline, they lost their center anchor in DeAndre Jordan.

Then Barnes moved away to the Sacramento Kings, making sure that they have enough space for another star in the offseason and their trio of superstars is complete. Luka might not be injured for a long time but the Mavericks are really bad without him on the court.

#1 Nikola Jokic is making his case for the MVP title this season

Denver Nuggets are powered by a Jokic powered engine this season

Nikola Jokic has been the star this season for a Denver Nuggets team that really needed one to step up. After his alright season last year, where he could not get himself going, Jokic has been playing lights out.

He has been so good this season that it has catapulted him into the MVP conversation. When he isn't scoring, he is creating for his teammates, he can rebound and hit the 3 accurately for a big man.

He has been averaging 20.4 points, 10.7 rebounds and 7.7 assists a game, which is amazing for a big man. He was the same player against the Mavericks, narrowly missing a triple-double, scoring 19 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists along with a steal to round his night up with a win.

Jokic has been brilliant for the Nuggets and most of their playoff run depends on how well he continues playing for them.