Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks Match Player Stats On Apr 11, 2017

The Sports Xchange
Apr 11, 2017

DALLAS -- Many of those who attended Tuesday night's otherwise meaningless affair between the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets were there for Tony Romo.

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback suited up for the Mavericks but didn't play. That mattered little to the sellout American Airlines Center crowd in the final home game of the season.

"Just to be a part of it in there with them is a unique experience that not very many people have even got to do," Romo said. "I feel lucky."

As for the actual game, Gary Harris' 20 points led the stripped-down Nuggets to a 109-91 victory. Denver had four others score in double figures -- Mason Plumlee (16), Malik Beasley (16), Juan Hernangomez (14) and Jamal Murray (10). Murray added 10 rebounds.

The Nuggets took control of the game by outscoring Dallas 34-18 in the second quarter and didn't trail in the second half. Denver won the season series 3-1.

The Romo spectacle took attention from those who weren't playing. The Mavericks were without Harrison Barnes, Wesley Matthews and Seth Curry, while Denver didn't suit up Danilo Gallinari, Emmanuel Mudiay, Kenneth Faried, Will Barton and Jameer Nelson.

The Nuggets (39-42) were hoping the game would mean something, but they were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday. That prompted coach Michael Malone to hold many of his main guys out.

Dallas (32-49) is limping to the finish line having lost five in a row and nine of 10. Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki scored a game-high 21 and pulled down eight rebounds. J.J. Barea scored 13, and Devin Harris had 11 points.

The season ends Wednesday for Dallas and Denver on the road. The Mavericks are at Memphis and Denver closes shop in Oklahoma City.

The evening celebrated Romo's career with the Cowboys before he transitions to the broadcast booth. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, coach Rick Carlisle and Nowitzki all played a part in getting Romo on the Dallas bench. Romo took part in the starting lineup introduction and addressed the crowd after Nowitzki and Carlisle.

"He has stood for all the things that great Dallas athletes stand for," Carlisle said. "He's a great competitor, winner and plays hurt, the whole thing. And he's been a great supporter of the Mavericks and good friend to myself, to Dirk, Mark and so many of us."

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, running back Ezekiel Elliott, tight end Jason Witten were among those in attendance, along with other coaches and members of the team's front office.

NOTES: Romo was introduced as an honorary Maverick at the team's morning shootaround. "It's a huge honor just to see that they want to do something just to say thank you for your career, what you did for the city, helping the city and the way that I've supported them," he said. "I don't feel like I deserve anything like this. I feel like this whole week has been emotional in a sense with the outpouring of support and people who have appreciated you and loved you." ... Denver F Danilo Gallinari, F Kenneth Faried and G Jameer Nelson have been shut down for the rest of the season. ... Dallas claimed G DeAndre Liggins off waivers from Cleveland.