The Dallas Mavericks continued the homestand with a non-conference game against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center on Sunday. The Mavericks rocked classic green jerseys on the first Hardwood Classic Night of the season. Dallas defeated Toronto 139-129 for its first win of the season, snapping a two-game losing skid. Dallas improved to 1-2, while Toronto fell to 1-2.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Toronto Raptors Starters
Sunday’s game came with high hopes on both ends of the court. Dallas sought to snap a two-game losing skid after Cooper Flagg and company reportedly ignored the fan noise in Friday’s loss to the Washington Wizards. The Flagg-fueled rally wasn’t enough as Dallas’ ugly start created questions about its depth at point guard.
Meanwhile, Toronto looked to rebound from a 122-116 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. Jamison Battle put together strong minutes. Battle, 24, made three shots from beyond the 3-point line, along with some positive defensive moments, in 11 minutes. Battle’s pair of triples in the fourth quarter proved himself as a 3-point threat.
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Flagg, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), Daniel Gafford (ankle), and Brandon Williams (personal reasons).
Toronto’s starting lineup featured Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Immanuel Quickley, and Brandon Ingram. Toronto initially listed Collin Murray-Bowles (forearm) as day-to-day, but later upgraded Murray-Bowles, 20, to available. The South Carolina product made his NBA debut on Sunday.
Mavericks vs. Raptors Recap
Sunday’s game was competitive from start to finish. Dallas’ new-look lineup featuring Flagg and Davis hasn’t clicked yet. Davis, 32, told the media that he wasn’t concerned about the team’s 0-2 start, just stated that the team needs to make some tweaks and improvements on the defensive end.
Meanwhile, Toronto’s free-throw shooting has been terrible but correctable through additional practice. Toronto has been a fun team to watch. However, Toronto’s defensive inconsistency is one of its biggest weaknesses, on which Dallas could capitalize.
Both teams looked strong in the first quarter. Lively II blocked Ingram’s scoring attempt down the lane before Washington dunked on an alley-oop. Lively II, 21, succeeded at the catch and finish at the rim. Jamal Shead threw a pass to Sandro Mamukelashvili, who sliced through for the layup. Dallas and Toronto were tied at 32 apiece to end the first.
Both teams stayed the course in a rather even-strength second quarter. Thompson found Davis, who tipped the ball into the basket. Barnes hit back-to-back three-pointers to help the Raptors take a one-point lead before a media timeout. Toronto took a 66-64 lead into halftime.
The Mavericks opened the third quarter with a 3-0 run before Toronto got on the board. Ingram hit a three-pointer. However, Dallas picked up the pace. Naji Marshall threw a bullet pass to Flagg, who soared for the two-handed dunk. Flagg followed up with a corner three-pointer. Dallas led 103-91 after three quarters.
Dallas started strong to open the fourth quarter. Davis drove in for the layup after offseason eye surgery. Davis, 32, remains a key to Dallas’ success this season. Toronto poured in the points, but Dallas held its ground. Dallas defeated Toronto 139-129 in regulation.
Final Thoughts
The Mavericks remain in Downtown Dallas to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday at 7:30 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on KFAA. The Raptors head to South Texas to take on the San Antonio Spurs on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet.
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