Nuggets flash offensive firepower as they coast to win in Dallas

DALLAS — It was Western Night at the American Airlines Center on Friday, and though it took until after halftime, the visiting Nuggets finally unholstered. Denver rebounded from a sluggish first half to score 39 third-quarter points as it beat Dallas 114-104.

The Nugget hit six 3s in the third quarter alone. They led by one at halftime, but by the start of the fourth quarter that lead ballooned to 17. Denver got contributions from everywhere as six players scored in double figures.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone finally had a healthy roster to work with with Isaiah Thomas and Gary Harris back in the fold. Malone employed plenty of three-guard lineups in the rout.

Thomas, in just his second game back from a hip injury that sidelined him for 11 months, hit four 3s on his way to 16 points. His fourth and final deep ball of the game opened up a 24-point lead for Denver, which overwhelmed a Dallas team missing Luka Doncic (ankle soreness).

Thomas played well, and so did Denver’s starting frontcourt. Nikola Jokic (19 points and 13 rebounds) and Paul Millsap (17 points and 13 rebounds) pummeled Dallas inside. The Nuggets won the rebounding battle 63-42. Backup center Mason Plumlee was plenty productive as well, chipping in with 12 points and 13 rebounds (seven offensive) in 22 minutes.

The Nuggets improved to 40-18 overall and 15-14 on the road. They’ve now banked as many road wins this year as they did in all of 2017-18.