NBA Recap: Dallas Mavericks thrash the Toronto Raptors 114-96
Dallas Mavericks overcame an early 19-points deficit to subdue Toronto Raptors with a remarkable 114-96 victory at Air Canada Centre on Sunday night. The highlight of the night was the exceptional from the Mavs bench. As many as
four Dallas reserves reached double figures on the night, paving a way for the blow out win.
Dirk Nowitzki scored a game-high 31 points and 13 rebounds and was the only starter for the visiting team to score in double figures. Dirk appreciated the efforts of the Mavericks fringe players after the game. "That was ugly early.
We didn't really get any stops. I thought our bench really saved us. Some nights your starting five just don't have it for whatever reason, fatigue, rhythm or whatever. Our bench was phenomenal."
Raptors were playing without their leading scorer Andrea Bargnani, who was out with flu-like symptoms while Joey Dorsey missed his third consecutive game due to back spasms. Amir Johnson scored a team-high 21 points and DeMar DeRozan
gathered 19 for Raptors.
The first half of the game was entirely dominated by the Raps. The home team opened the first quarter with a 22-3 spurt in the first six minutes of the play. Johnson escalated the belligerent play by scoring 10 points during that
stretch. However, the Mavs responded in the latter half of the first frame and managed cut down the lead 30-24 by its end.
Dirk Nowitzki lifted the momentum for Mavericks with 16 points of his 31 in the second quarter. However Raptors ensured their lead throughout the first half of the game. With the starters struggling, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle
inserted his reserves in the middle. The effects were immediate as the Mavs took over the game. After haunting the Raptors for good nine minutes in the second half, the Mavs finally managed to gain advantage for the first time in the game with Marion’s dunk
shot. The visiting team sustained their lead and ended the third quarter 75-72.
Mavericks carried on their momentum in the final quarter as the deficit kept on mounting for the Raptors. The Mavericks scored three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and a mid-range jumper from J.J. Barea resulted in sixth straight
win for the Dallas.
The highlight of the night were the four reserves Shawn Marion, Jason Terry, Ian Mahinmi and Jose Barea, who combined for 64 points, propelling the Mavericks towards an electrifying win.
"This might be the deepest team I've ever played on. You've got 12 or 13 guys that can start." Jason Kidd said who scored six points from two 3-pointers.
Dallas Mavericks is standing at the second spot in the Western Conference with 43 wins as they march forward towards the playoffs. Their bench performance can become a threat for any team if they continue to contribute the same
way.
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