DENVER — In their starting lineup, the Denver Nuggets boast a blossoming superstar in Carmelo Anthony, a playoff-tested leader in Chauncey Billups, a defensive stopper in Dahntay Jones and a pair of athletic and physical frontcourt players (Nene and Kenyon Martin).

But without arguably the top bench in the NBA, the Nuggets almost certainly would not be in control of their Western Conference second-round series with Dallas.

In a 117-105 victory over the Mavericks on Tuesday night, Denver's reserves scored 37 points on 14-of-23 shooting from the floor, contributed seven assists with just one turnover and gave the starters — and the Pepsi Center crowd — a lift with their hustle and defense.

"The bench has played great all season," Martin said. "But last series and this series, they came into their own."

Guard J.R. Smith led the reserves with 21 points in just less than 25 minutes; guard Anthony Carter had four points, four rebounds and four assists with no turnovers; and forward/center Chris Andersen scored eight points, grabbed nine rebounds and made his usual array of momentum-swinging plays on defense.

The bench played a key role during an eight-minute stretch that bridged the first and second quarters and helped Denver shake off a sluggish start. The Nuggets outscored Dallas, 24-15, in that time with their reserves providing 18 points — including all 10 to start the second.

Early in the second quarter, Andersen grabbed an offensive rebound and tossed it out to Smith, who drained a 3-pointer. Andersen scored baskets on the next two possessions, converting a reverse layup and a tip-in. Smith capped the run with another three-pointer.