Toronto Raptors also won their eleventh game in a row, but the match against Dallas Mavericks around Dirk Nowitzki and Maxi Kleber was hard work. The 122-115 win required an extra time to keep the Canadians’ winning streak alive.
Dwane Casey wasn’t pleased at all at the break. The Raptors had lost 33 points in the second quarter and started the break after a good first section with a gap of 6 points. One reason was that the Second Unit didn’t have the usual influence, as Mavs coach Rick Carlisle once again conjured up strong lineups in which Maxi Kleber (1 point, +9) also found his place this time – at least in the first half.
He did not make much of an appearance, but in combination with Dirk Nowitzki he kept putting good picks for the guards who wore the good guest team. J.J. Barea and Dennis Smith Jr. made good decisions and both had a double-digit score after 24 minutes.
It was noticeable to the Raptors that they had played a tough and competitive game in Indianapolis the day before, so Point Guard got a break and was replaced by Delon Wright, who showed defensively many good attempts but had big problems with his finish.
The same was also true for DeMar DeRozan, who instead aggressively sought his way to the basket and pulled a lot of fouls. Toronto could rely on Center Jonas Valanciunas, who, as against the Pacers, could not be kept away from the ring. Nevertheless, the guests controlled the action even after the change, because it continued to slip offensively. In addition to the Guards, Harrison Barnes also played well and consistently punished the Canadians from the middle distance.
But the Raptors did not want to give up their winning streak and came closer again on the home stretch, the reputation of the best defense in the fourth quarter was confirmed. Dallas lost the ball and took throws deep in the shotclock, so DeRozan jumpered the game 75 seconds before the end (106:106). But the Mavs could not counter because Smith was cleared by Serge Ibaka on the drive and Barnes could not sink his jumper after an offensive rebound.
The Raptors had their last litter, but a floater from Air Congo missed the target. In extra time Smith took over again for Dallas and scored the first four points of the OT, but the Raptors came back. First DeRozan netted from downtown, then Fred VanVleet added, the Mavs couldn’t collect the rebound twice before. Dwight Powell equalized again, but on the other hand DeRozan brought his colors to the front 53 seconds before the end.
Yogi Ferrell then missed from the outside and the foul could begin. Dallas sent Valanciunas to the line, who actually missed the second freebie, but the ricochet landed back with the Lithuanian, who made it better afterwards and set it to 120:115.
The top scorer of the guests was Barnes with 27 points, plus Barea and Smith, who had some annoying ball losses in the final phase. Dirk Nowitzki scored 8 points (4/6 FG) and 5 rebounds in 24 minutes. For the Raptors DeRozan marked 29 meters (8/23 FG, 12/14 FT) despite some problems. Six other players scored double-digit, including Valanciunas (21, 12 rebounds) with his double-double. Jakob Pöltl contributed 2 points, 2 rebounds and 2 blocks to the eleventh consecutive victory.
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