Dirk Nowitzki led the Dallas Mavericks into their second match of the season. But the reigning champions were still playing without their poise after losing to Miami Heat on Christmas day. Al Harrington scored 18 points off the bench and his 3-pointer pushed the Nuggets ahead 32-23 after the first quarter.

Nowitzki led the Mavericks to battle back at the start of the second. But they had a stretch of 14 straight missed shots during a ten minute drought between baskets. Denver guard Ty Lawson made 8 of 9 shots in the first half, 69-42 the Nuggets take the lead into the third.

Nowitzki scored 20 points and sat out the entire fourth quarter for a second straight game. Jason Kidd scored 12. The Mavs trail by 33 in the third quarter. The challenge for coach Rick Carlisle is still to come.

The Nuggets hold onto beat the Mavericks 115-93, Dallas is none from two for the first time since 2006-07.