Nikola Jokic’s return made for outstanding theater in the NBA Cup, but the return of his alien stat lines was not enough for Denver. In his first game back after welcoming a newborn son this week, Jokic tallied 33 points,

The Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets entered Friday night's game with a 1-1 NBA Cup record and looking to take control of the Wild Card in the Western Conference. Denver got big news with Nikola Jokic returning to the lineup after missing the last three games, while the Mavs were without Luka Doncic.

Nuggets three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is still on the injury report due to personal reasons ahead of the team's NBA Cup game vs. the Grizzlies.