NBA: Mavs Nuggets set for second straight tilt in Dallas

Aside from cold temperatures, Nuggets coach Michael Malone liked the schedule breaking this way.

“On one end you like the fact that you’re playing two games in the same city, so it’s taking out some flights, which you appreciate,” Malone told reporters. “I was hoping Dallas would be a little bit warmer. But I do like the fact that when we’re here it’s like a mini-playoff series. You get a chance to play them twice. And after the game you’re going back to the hotel, you get a good meal and you get a practice (Monday).

“Any time you can limit the travel and the flights and the late nights, that’s definitely going to be a benefit.”

The Nuggets recorded a 112-101 victory over the Mavericks on Sunday, dominating the fourth quarter. Denver trailed by 12 in the opening two minutes of the period but outscored Dallas 33-12 in the decisive frame.

Russell Westbrook recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists while making 10 of 17 field-goal attempts for the Nuggets.

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic just missed a triple-double with 19 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists to go along with three steals for Denver.

Jokic could be on his way to MVP No. 4. He is averaging 31.2 points per game and making 47.1 percent of his 3-point attempts while continuing his assault as a rebounder and passer. Jokic’s career-best scoring average entering this season was 27.1, and his current 3-point percentage is much higher than his previous best of 39.6 percent.

“He’s shooting 48 (percent) from three and being a volume 3-point shooter,” Malone said of Jokic. “Well, now you’re adding the most efficient post-up player in the game, one of the greatest playmakers in the game and a guy that is lethal from 3-point range.