Mavs rally to pin Nuggets with first loss

(AP) — The Dallas Mavericks are showing tremendous improvement since finishing 33-49 last season.

The Mavs are 3-1 after turning an 11-point, third-quarter deficit into a 109-106 victory at Denver. Maxi Kleber had 14 points, seven rebounds and a key block late in the game to help Dallas hand the Nuggets their first loss in four games.

Nine Mavericks players scored in double figures on a night their two top scorers were held in check. Luca Doncic (DAHN’-chihch) finished with just 12 points and Kristaps Porzingis (KRIHS’-tahps pohr-ZIHN’-gihs) added 10 with 14 rebounds.

Denver’s Nikola Jokic (nee-KOH’-lah YOH’-kihch) had his second triple-double of the season with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Paul Millsap contributed 23 points and eight rebounds in the loss.