Raptors run perfect record to 6-0 with win over Dallas

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors showed off their depth Friday night and extended their season-opening winning streak to a franchise-best six games in the process.

Kawhi Leonard had 21 points — one of seven Toronto players in double figures — and Kyle Lowry had a double-double as the Raptors beat the Dallas Mavericks 116-107 at Scotiabank Arena.

“When everyone is locked in, we can be really special,” said Toronto forward Pascal Siakam, who had 10 points.

Lowry finished with 20 points and 12 assists as Toronto closed out a three-game homestand in style.

Both teams were playing shorthanded as OG Anunoby (personal), Delon Wright (adductor) and Fred VanVleet (toe) were not available for the Raptors. Devin Harris (hamstring) and Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) were out for Dallas.

The Mavericks pulled within a point late in the third quarter but never led in the game.

Jonas Valanciunas had 17 points, Danny Green scored 15, Serge Ibaka chipped in with 11 and CJ Miles had 10.

With a short bench, every Toronto player had some court time with little-used Malachi Richardson even playing eight minutes.

Toronto backup Lorenzo Brown hit a reverse layup that restored the Raptors’ double-digit lead midway through the fourth quarter. He then stole the ball from Jalen Brunson near midcourt and added another layup, punctuating the effort by flexing his right biceps. “Zo played his butt off tonight,” Lowry said. “He’s the G League MVP for a reason. He’s getting an opportunity to play with Fred and Delon being out. He stepped up tonight.”

Siakam threw down an emphatic dunk moments later to essentially put the game away.

“I thought they were bending a little bit, but they didn’t break,” Toronto coach Nick Nurse said of his team. “I was pretty proud of some of those guys that haven’t played very much.”

Luka Doncic had 22 points to lead the Mavericks (2-3).

The Raptors (6-0) stormed out to an 18-2 lead and held the Mavericks to a single field goal over the first six-plus minutes of the game. Dallas chipped away at that deficit throughout, with Toronto only ahead 92-89 to start the fourth quarter.