The Dallas Mavericks tried for a seventh straight win against the Toronto Raptors in the second game of a three-game road trip. Entering Saturday’s game, Dallas remained in the mix for the 2024 NBA Cup with a six-game winning streak and third place in the Western Conference standings, while Toronto was just fine as the Eastern Conference struggles, but could be better in its ability to finish games.
The Mavericks defeated the Raptors 125-118 at Scotiabank Arena. Dallas improved to 15-8, while Toronto fell to 7-16. Luka Doncic had his second triple-double of the season with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists to lead the Mavericks. Doncic now has 79 career triple-doubles. Kyrie Irving followed up with 29 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Klay Thompson added 20 points and four rebounds. PJ Washington Jr. had 13 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Spencer Dinwiddie scored 11 points and two rebounds.
Dallas Mavericks-Toronto Raptors Recap
The Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors’ game was action-packed from start to finish. The Mavericks’ injury report listed Dante Exum for right wrist surgery, Naji Marshall for an upper respiratory infection, and Jaden Hardy for a right ankle sprain, while the Raptors’ injury report listed Bruce Brown for reconditioning and Immanuel Quickley for a UCL tear.
The Mavericks’ starting lineup consisted of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington Jr., and Dereck Lively II. The Raptors had an early edge, but the Mavericks’ scoring surge, including Kyrie Irving’s 16 first-quarter points, led to a 35-28 lead at the end of the first quarter. The surge continued in the second quarter and held off the Raptors as they tried to cut the lead to single digits. The Mavericks led 70-54 at halftime.
The Mavericks took a 20-point lead by the 10-minute mark of the third quarter. Luka Doncic passed the ball to PJ Washington Jr., who wowed the crowd with a notable slam dunk. The Mavericks led 100-87 after three quarters. The Raptors opened the fourth-quarter scoring with a score, but the Mavericks used three-pointers from Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson to hold off the Raptors’ scoring surge and win 125-118.
Dallas Mavericks at Toronto Raptors Highlights
The Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors’ game featured many highlights, such as the Mavericks’ chemistry being on-point and helping them become one of the NBA’s hottest teams. After Thursday’s game, Dallas won its sixth straight game and is 10-1 over its last 11 games. The only other team was the Boston Celtics. Also, Luka Doncic recorded his 78th career triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists on Thursday.
For the Mavericks, Head Coach Jason Kidd recently admitted that the Mavericks’ “messed-up ” schedule “needs to be looked at.” Kidd and the Mavericks have been overcoming injuries and a grueling schedule, while acclimating Klay Thompson to Dallas, Texas. Thompson has been playing away from the Bay Area for the first time in his NBA career and Kidd briefly mentioned the effects of eastward jet lag.
The Toronto rebuild is more than just tanking and the 2025 NBA Draft position. The Raptors reportedly looked at evaluation and building cohesion as well. The Raptors are unlikely to make the NBA Playoffs, but they’ve shown some signs of respectability in a rebuilding season amid the rather unpredictable outcomes some nights.
Final Thoughts
The red-hot Dallas Mavericks met the ice-cold Washington Wizards for a non-conference game on Thursday. The Mavericks sizzled with five straight wins and nine in their last 10 games, while the Wizards have been struggling, but they’re ahead in the race for Duke star Cooper Flagg, the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg, 17, has showcased his talent in his freshman season, despite not turning 18 until December 21, 2024.
The Mavericks ran away with a 137-101 win over the Wizards at Capital One Arena. Luka Doncic recorded his first triple-double of the season with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Daniel Gafford played very well in his return to Washington, D.C. Gafford showed his previous team what they missed with a final stat line of 16 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, and then 6-of-9 from the field in 19 minutes of play.
The Mavericks will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, December 10 at 8:30 p.m. Central. The Mavericks and Thunder matchup will be a Western Conference showdown and the first game of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup’s quarterfinal. The Mavericks traveled from Toronto to Oklahoma City and faced the possible burden of jet lag. The Thunder had a shorter trip from New Orleans to Oklahoma City.
