Balanced attack gets job done for franchise-best start
Some Raptors wins are prettier than others. Friday night’s 116107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Scotiabank Arena was more of a battle than it needed to be, even though the home side never trailed. Regardless of how they got there, though, the Raptors are now 6-0 — the best start in franchise history — and 5-0 at home. Kawhi Leonard continued to lead the way with 21 points, while Kyle Lowry put up his fourth double-double in six games: 20 points and 12 re- bounds. Seven Raptors finished with 10 points or more.
Turning point: The Mavericks pulled within one point late in the third quarter, but failed to capitalize on three free throws and a number of other opportunities to take the lead. Toronto’s bench weathered the onslaught, finished the quarter up by three points and went into the fourth with Leonard, Lowry, Serge Ibaka, Pascal Siakam and Lorenzo Brown on the court. That lineup promptly pulled away with a 13-2 run. Toronto never looked back.
Doncic’s got game: Dallas rookie Luca Doncic didn’t let being guarded by Leonard derail his night. The 19-year-old looked comfortable in leading the Mavericks with 22 points and was crucial to his team’s strong third quarter.
Pain without gain: Raptor Delon Wright missed another game with a left adductor strain, while Fred VanVleet was out for a second straight time with a sprained left big toe. OG Anunoby was also inactive for personal reasons. Missing three rotation players proved tough as the team struggled for consistency throughout the game. Dallas, meanwhile, was without Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle), Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) and Devin Harris (hamstring).
Rare dishes: Lowry became the first Raptor with 10 or more assists in four straight games since Jose Calderon in 2012.
Scene and heard: Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman caught the game courtside with former teammate Jose Bautista, who received a rousing cheer when he appeared on the video board … Dallas centre DeAndre Jordan showed up wearing a Hamilton Tiger-Cats jersey from his brother Avery Jordan, a Ticats left tackle who is currently injured … Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson made his first NBA start. His dad, Rick Brunson, played for the Raptors in 2003. The Mavs guard and Kyle Lowry are also Villanova alums.
What’s next? In Milwaukee on Monday night to take on the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokoumpo, and the Bucks to start the second back-to-back of the schedule.