Cooper Flagg Outduels Nikola Jokic as Mavericks Win

Merlin sees a holiday thriller. Dallas beat Denver 131 130 after Nikola Jokić found Peyton Watson for a corner three that rimmed out on the final possession. Rookie Cooper Flagg was the star with 33 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, and Anthony Davis added 31. Jokić still filled the stat sheet with 29 points and 14 assists, but the last pass did not fall and the Nuggets slipped to 21 8 while the Mavericks improved to 12 19. Merlin senses emerging identities. Flagg announced himself with scoring, playmaking and physicality, while Jokić showed why he is a three time MVP, taking over the third quarter with masterful passing. Injuries have thinned both rosters, so depth and durability will shape the rematch stories to come.