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 teams played Nov. 10 at Ball Arena with the Nuggets edging the Mavericks by a 122-120 score. A 43-point effort from Kyrie Irving was spoiled by a Jokic masterpiece of 37 points, 18 rebounds and 15 assists.

P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes led the Luka-less Mavs to a back-and-forth victory in Denver.