Las Vegas, July 10 -- The Dallas Mavericks staved off a furious comeback by the Denver Nuggets to win their third straight game at the NBA Summer League, 87-83.

The Mavericks gained their largest lead of the game at 14 (75-61) thanks to a Clay Tucker three-pointer with just over seven minutes remaining in the game. However, a 20-5 run, led by nine Von Wafer points, brought Denver back within three at 80-77 with 2:30 left.

Jose Juan Barea’s reverse lay-up with 1:08 left pushed the lead to five at 84-79 and a Brandon Bass blocked shot with 15.2 seconds left sealed the win for Dallas.

Barea’s 18 points (7-13 FG) led the Mavericks, while Brandon Bass collected 15 points (2-6 FG, 11-12 FT) and eight rebounds in 21 minutes of play.

“I am just trying to play hard each game,” the free agent Bass said. “I didn’t get to play that much each of the past two seasons (with the Hornets). It feels good to get out there and run.”

Pops Mensah-Bonsu was active around glass for Dallas collecting a game-high 13 rebounds, but struggled from the floor, making just two of 11 shots for four points.

“I just need to work hard night in and night out,” Mensah-Bonsu said of his play. “I need to show the Mavs that I can bring something to the table.”

On the Nuggets’ side, Wafer scored a game-high 19 points (4-10 FG, 8-11 FT) in 27 minutes of play. Guard Will Blalock accounted for 17 points (5-9 FG, 7-8 FT) in 25 minutes of play.

“I would have liked to have shot the ball better tonight,” Wafer said of his performance. “My legs are beginning to come around. I shot the ball better in the previous games and I know my shot is coming around and I’m confident.”

There were 12 lead changes and seven ties throughout the course of the game. The Mavericks improved to a league-best 3-0 with the win.

NOTES: Barea suffered a cut to his chin and received stitches after the game.