Mavericks use record defense in third quarter to beat Nuggets

Playing one of the best defensive quarters in franchise history, the Mavs outscored the Denver Nuggets 25-5 in the third period en route to a 92-81 triumph before a sellout crowd of 20,339 at American Airlines Center.

Dallas held the Nuggets to five points in the third quarter, forcing nine turnovers and limiting Denver to just 2-of-19 shooting from the field.

It was the fewest points allowed by the Mavs in any quarter in franchise history, eclipsing the seven points scored by the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter against the Mavs on Jan. 16, 2012.