Mavericks Rookie Stuns NBA: You Won't Believe How He Made History Against the Nuggets!

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off an unexpected upset against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, largely thanks to the remarkable performance of rookie guard Ryan Nembhard. In just his ninth NBA game, Nembhard scored 28 points and recorded 10 assists while shooting a blistering 12 of 14 from the field, including 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. Perhaps most impressively, he achieved this feat with no turnovers, a rarity in the league and a significant milestone in NBA history.

With this performance, Nembhard became the first guard in NBA history to record at least 25 points, 10 assists, and zero turnovers on a true shooting percentage of 100%. His efficiency contributed significantly to the Mavericks’ victory, marking a pivotal moment not just for his career but also for the franchise's history.

Nembhard's achievement places him among an elite group. He is now one of only three players in Mavericks history to achieve 25 points and 10 assists in a single game as a rookie, joining Luka Dončić, who accomplished this five times, and head coach Jason Kidd, who did it twice. Additionally, he registered the fifth-most points by an undrafted rookie in franchise history, further accentuating his impactful debut season.

Ryan Nembhard entered rare air with his performance last night!

He joined Stephon Marbury and Michael Finley as the ONLY rookies in NBA history with 25+ points, 10+ assists, and 0 turnovers in a single game since 1977-78, the first season turnovers were fully recorded. https://t.co/SCGnnrXVsD pic.twitter.com/zxcJMDJ85r

— NBA (@NBA) December 2, 2025

What makes Nembhard's performance even more significant is that he is an undrafted rookie. His opportunity to shine came after a strong showing in the second half against the Miami Heat, leading to him starting several games against high-profile teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Mavericks' offense has notably improved during this stretch, recording their top two offensive ratings of the season in games against the Lakers and Nuggets.

However, the Mavericks find themselves in a precarious situation at the point guard position. With star player Kyrie Irving sidelined due to a torn ACL, Nembhard's emergence comes at a critical time. Irving is not expected back until after the new year, and the team has struggled to fill the gap. The Mavericks signed D’Angelo Russell to help, but he has underperformed in roughly 70% of the games he has played. Other options like Jaden Hardy and Brandon Williams haven’t earned the full trust of head coach Jason Kidd either.

The Mavericks are currently at a crossroads, having filled their roster with 15 standard contracts. If they wish to convert Nembhard's contract to a more permanent role, they will need to make space by waiving another player, a move that likely can’t happen until after the new year.

As the Mavericks grapple with these challenges, Nembhard’s historic performance offers a glimmer of hope. His ability to lead and perform under pressure suggests that he could become a key player for the team as they navigate a tumultuous season. With a challenging schedule ahead, fans will be keen to see if this young guard can continue to defy expectations and solidify his place in the Mavericks' lineup.

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