Mavs rookie Ryan Nembhard delivers historic 28-point, 10-assist game in Denver
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Rookie guard Ryan Nembhard, playing on a two-way contract, produced a record-setting night on Monday as the Dallas Mavericks stunned the Denver Nuggets in Colorado. Appearing in just his ninth NBA contest, the undrafted 21-year-old poured in 28 points on 12-for-14 shooting, dished 10 assists and did not commit a turnover.
According to team officials, Nembhard is the first undrafted rookie in the modern era (since 1967) to record at least 25 points and 10 assists without a turnover in a single game. No rookie had reached those marks since Stephon Marbury in 1996.
“He kind of took over the game,” head coach Jason Kidd said, noting Nembhard’s ability to penetrate and find open teammates such as Max Christie for key three-pointers. After logging only five brief appearances in Dallas’s first 18 outings, Nembhard has now played in four straight, starting three and averaging 17.7 points and 5.7 assists while shooting 60.0% (9-of-15) from deep as a starter.
Anthony Davis powers offense in second game back
Anthony Davis led Dallas with 32 points and 13 rebounds in his second game since returning from a calf strain. The veteran big man surpassed a planned minutes limit, logging more than 32 minutes despite Denver’s altitude. “I was tired for sure, but it’s mental,” Davis said, adding that he focused on pushing through fatigue on both ends.
Naji Marshall praises decision to join Dallas
Forward Naji Marshall, who signed with the Mavericks as a free agent in the 2024 offseason, told Essentially Sports he has “no regrets” about choosing Dallas, calling the city “beautiful” and lauding Kidd and his staff. Marshall said the Hall of Fame point guard has “helped my game in a tremendous way” by sharing insights on and off the floor.
Klay Thompson regains shooting touch
After averaging 7.4 points on 26.7% three-point shooting over his first 10 games, Klay Thompson has rebounded during his last 11, producing 14.5 points per contest while hitting 40.6% from beyond the arc. The veteran sniper scored a season-high 23 points and buried six threes on Saturday, a night he was initially expected to miss with left knee stiffness. “When you have a night like that after the tough start we’ve had, it just gives you relief to keep going,” Thompson said.
The Mavericks return to action later this week aiming to build on their recent momentum, bolstered by Nembhard’s emergence, Davis’s return to form and improved production from key veterans.
Source: Hoops Rumors
