Ryan Nembhard Makes History in Denver as Mavericks Upset Nuggets
It’s not every day an undrafted rookie walks into Denver, stares down the defending champs, and leaves with a performance that rewrites the record books. But that’s exactly what Ryan Nembhard did Monday night.
In just his ninth NBA game, the Mavericks’ rookie guard - on a two-way contract, no less - dropped 28 points on an ultra-efficient 12-of-14 shooting and dished out 10 assists without a single turnover. That’s not just impressive - it’s historic.
According to the Mavericks, Nembhard is the first undrafted rookie in the modern NBA era (since 1967) to post at least 25 points and 10 assists with zero turnovers in a game. And if you’re wondering how rare that is even for top picks, the last rookie of any kind to do it was Stephon Marbury back in 1996. That’s nearly three decades ago.
A Command Performance
“He kind of took over the game,” head coach Jason Kidd said afterward. And he wasn’t exaggerating.
Nembhard’s floor game was polished beyond his years. He controlled tempo, made the right reads, and hit shots with confidence.
Whether it was slashing into the paint or finding Max Christie in the corner for a clutch three, he consistently made the right play. His decision-making was surgical - not a single wasted possession, not a single forced pass.
And this isn’t some fluke performance from a guy who just got lucky on a hot shooting night. Since being inserted into the starting lineup, Nembhard has been steadily earning his minutes - and making them count.
After appearing sparingly in the Mavs’ first 18 games, he’s now played in four straight, starting three of them and averaging 24 minutes per night. As a starter, he’s putting up 17.7 points and 5.7 assists per game while shooting a red-hot 60% from three (9-of-15).
That’s not just efficient - that’s elite-level production from a rookie still getting his feet wet in the league.
Anthony Davis Returns to Form
While Nembhard’s breakout stole the spotlight, it was Anthony Davis who led the Mavericks in scoring with 32 points and 13 boards - a statement performance in just his second game back from a calf strain. Davis, who was on a minutes restriction in his return Friday, pushed past 32 minutes on Monday despite the thin Denver air.
“I was tired for sure, but it’s mental,” Davis said after the game. “Trying to push through the fatigue and physically and mentally lock in.”
And that’s exactly what he did. Davis looked like the two-way force the Mavericks need him to be. He anchored the paint, battled on the glass, and gave Dallas the kind of interior presence that can tilt a game - especially against a team like Denver.
Naji Marshall Embracing the Dallas Culture
Even with the team’s early-season ups and downs, forward Naji Marshall isn’t second-guessing his decision to sign with Dallas this past offseason. Speaking recently, Marshall praised the city, the locker room, and especially head coach Jason Kidd.
“(Kidd) has helped my game in a tremendous way,” Marshall said. “He showed me things on and off the court with his experience as being a Hall-of-Fame point guard.
The coaching staff that he surrounds himself with are also great dudes. They know the game.
So learning from them has been a plus.”
Marshall has carved out a solid role as a versatile wing, and it’s clear he’s buying into the Mavericks’ culture - a good sign for a team looking to build continuity after a turbulent stretch last season.
Klay Thompson Finding His Rhythm
Veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson has had a rocky start to the season, but the tide may be turning. After averaging just 7.4 points and shooting 26.7% from deep over his first 10 games, Thompson has rediscovered his stroke. Over his last 11 games, he’s averaging 14.5 points and knocking down 40.6% of his threes - a much more Klay-like stat line.
Saturday night, he looked like vintage Klay, scoring a season-high 23 points and draining six triples. And he did it despite being questionable to play due to left knee stiffness.
“It felt like a relief,” Thompson said. “I haven’t shot the ball well in these first 20 games or at least to my standard. When you have a night like that, after the tough start we’ve had... it just gives you relief to keep going and it really inspires me to be out there as much as I can.”
The Bigger Picture
Between Nembhard’s breakout, Davis’ return to form, and Thompson finding his rhythm, there’s a lot to like about what the Mavericks are building - even if the season hasn’t started perfectly. The team’s depth is showing signs of life, and the coaching staff is getting meaningful contributions from unexpected places.
If Nembhard continues to play with this level of poise and production, Dallas might have found a gem - and not just for the future. He’s helping them win right now.