In the fierce competition in the NBA, a game carries the glory and dream of the team. Recently, the clash between the Mavericks and the Raptors has once again ignited the passion of fans, and Doncic's outstanding performance has become the focus. Let's take a look back at the battle and dissect the winners and losers.
The Mavericks have been in the spotlight recently in the race for 5-8 spots in the West. Every game is crucial, especially against the Raptors, who are entering a rebuilding period, and there is no room for carelessness. And with the comeback of Exum, the Mavericks have finally formed the strongest lineup.
In the first quarter of the game, the Mavericks did not have the upper hand, while the Raptors, who were playing at home, showed a sharp offense. Although the Mavericks had four players score in double figures, the Raptors still maintained a slight lead. However, the arrival of the third quarter marked a turning point in the game. The Mavericks began to exert their strength, driven by the duo of Doncic and Irving, coupled with the excellent performances of Gafford and Washington, the Mavericks successfully opened the score gap with a net win of 15 points in a single quarter.
Entering the final quarter, although the Raptors prepared for a comeback, the performances of Doncic and Irving allowed the Mavericks to completely control the situation. Doncic returned to the court and got a triple-double, and in the end, the Mavericks defeated the Raptors 136-125 to achieve Donci's first victory.
It is worth mentioning that Doncic scored 30 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists in this game, once again showing his extraordinary ability. Not only did he surpass James to become the third-most 30+ triple-doubles in history, but on his 25th birthday, he also set an all-time record of 30+ triple-doubles on his birthday. Irving worked hard in the back, scoring 29 points and 3 assists in the game, and was undoubtedly the team's key scoring point. In addition, head coach Kidd also gave Washington and Gafford more time and opportunities, and the two players also showed excellent athletic form, and became a big contributor to the Mavericks' victory.
In contrast, the Raptors' performance is a bit tired. Players like Scott Barnes, while having great performances, failed to step up in crunch time, which was in stark contrast to the Mavericks' team performance.
This game was more than just a win, but a step for the Mavericks to firmly establish themselves in the Western Conference competition. And for the Raptors, the loss may be an experience worth reflecting on. After all, on the NBA stage, every minute and every second can determine the winner or loser, and only in continuous summary and reflection can the team continue to improve.
Such a passionate and glorious encounter once again ignited the fans' enthusiasm for basketball. Let's look forward to the next great game together and cheer for our beloved team!