Dec 20 Raptors at Mavericks Game Thread

[Legends66NBA7]

Game Links: http://firstrownow.eu/sport/basketball.html

Game Preview: http://www.nba.com/games/20131220/TO...fo.html?ls=slt

With Dirk Nowitzki providing a lift in his return, the Dallas Mavericks didn't have much trouble continuing their home success the last time out.

The Mavericks now appear to be in good position to sweep a three-game homestand as they go for their 13th win in 14 home meetings against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

After missing a 106-93 victory over visiting Milwaukee on Saturday because of a stomach virus, Nowitzki put together a complete effort in his return with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists in a 105-91 win over Memphis on Wednesday.

"I didn't feel great Monday in practice," said Nowitzki, who helped Dallas (15-10) to its fifth win in seven games. "We didn't have a game for another two days, so by Tuesday I was a lot better and (Wednesday) I felt fine."

The Mavericks have certainly been more than fine at home, winning 11 of 13 this season. Only Oklahoma City has a better home record in the Western Conference.

Nowitzki has shot 58.8 percent while posting four straight 20-point performances at the American Airlines Center. The 11-time All-Star has also averaged 25.8 points while hitting 8 of 12 from 3-point range in his last four home games against the Raptors (9-14).

Monta Ellis, who had 16 of his 18 points in the second half Wednesday, has scored 24.2 per game while hitting 15 of 31 from beyond the arc in his last nine games versus Toronto.

The Mavericks rank in the league's top five with 106.5 points per game and a 48.5 field-goal percentage at home, and they've also limited opponents to 88.7 points on 40.9 percent shooting over a three-game winning streak there.

Dallas, which is 5-0 against visiting East teams, could keep rolling versus a Toronto club that has lost 12 of 13 visits by an average of 11.1 points.

The Raptors, though, have been competitive since trading Rudy Gay to Sacramento on Dec. 9. They nearly pulled out a third straight victory Wednesday before Kemba Walker's buzzer-beater gave visiting Charlotte a 104-102 overtime win.

"We need to be more precise and have more attention to detail," coach Dwane Casey said after his team left Walker alone on the final possession.

DeMar DeRozan finished with 30 points, while Kyle Lowry had 17 and Amir Johnson added 10 and 13 rebounds.

DeRozan has scored 23.4 per game but missed 16 of 18 from 3-point range in the last five without Gay, who was averaging 19.4 points with the Raptors. In the most recent meeting in Dallas, DeRozan had 24 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a 109-104 loss Nov. 7, 2012.

Nowitzki was not available for the Mavericks while missing the first 27 games last season following right knee surgery.

Johnson contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds in that contest, and he's averaged 18.6 points on 69.0 percent shooting with 9.6 boards in the last seven overall.

The Raptors, who begin a four-game trip, have won four of six away from home. They've dropped 20 of 26 overall to the Mavericks.

[kaiteng]

[kaiteng]

[kaiteng]

At this point, should Raptors keep losing now?

[EricGordon23]

At this point, should Raptors keep losing now?

I Don't believe in tanking but seems like everyone else wants that to happen.

[Bcogswell]

At this point, should Raptors keep losing now?

Yes

[kaiteng]

Raps are not far behind Celtics for the first place in Titanic Division. Well, if Lowry is traded then yes that's the full tank mode.

[Qwyjibo]

At this point, should Raptors keep losing now?

Of course. Going 0-3 on this West trip would be the best thing for the Raptors. Short term pain for long term gain.

[kaiteng]

Of course. Going 0-3 on this West trip would be the best thing for the Raptors. Short term pain for long term gain.

Intentionally tanking when others in the same division are doing the same is pretty hard, you know. See Celtics.

Plus, Raptors have always been in short term pain I believe.

[heavensdevil]

At this point, should Raptors keep losing now?

Yes please.

[Qwyjibo]

Intentionally tanking when others in the same division are doing the same is pretty hard, you know. See Celtics.

Plus, Raptors have always been in short term pain I believe.

If it doesn't work out, so be it. The only thing in the Raptors control is roster construction and that's on Ujiri. If he keeps Casey around, Casey won't give one damn about player development. It makes no sense keeping Lowry or having someone like Salmons get any minutes.

As much as he sucks right now, I want to see Terrence Ross playing as much as possible. Find out what you have in him and if he continues to stink, at least you know not to waste money on his options later on.

[Bcogswell]

Down 15

[kaiteng]

Looks like a blowout now.

[kaiteng]

Chuck Hayes sighting.

[kaiteng]

They just can't stick to Q's plan