Jokic returns in loss to Mavericks after missing 3 games

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was in the starting lineup of Friday's 123-120 loss to the Dallas Mavericks after missing the previous three contests due to personal reasons.

The Serbian recorded his seventh triple-double of the year, tallying 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists in the defeat.

Jokic and his partner welcomed their second child, a boy, Thursday night, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania Friday.

The 29-year-old is averaging career highs in points (29.7), assists (13.7), 3-point attempts (3.9), and 3-point percentage (56.4%) this season. The three-time MVP also leads the Association in assists per game (11.7).

Jokic hadn't played since Nov. 10 until Friday, with the Nuggets going 1-2 during that time.

Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. was Denver's leading scorer in Jokic's absence, averaging 19.3 points per game while shooting 49% from the field and 26.7% from three.

The 8-6 Nuggets sit ninth in the Western Conference and are 1-2 in NBA Cup games.