Dallas Mavericks ensured a playoff spot after inching past Toronto Raptors


Dallas Mavericks ensured a playoff spot after inching past Toronto Raptors

Luka Doncic with Dallas Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban

Luka Doncic knocked his 11th triple-double of the season to ensure Dallas Mavericks’ marginal victory over the depleted and short-handed Toronto Raptors 114-110. Doncic scored 20 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, while his partner Kristaps Porzingis scored a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. 

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The Dallas Mavericks, who had a 9-14 record on Feb. 4, have won nine of 11 to move a season-high 13 games over .500. Being in the top six means an extended break before the playoffs start after a condensed regular-season schedule 

Luka Doncic’s 11th Triple-Double ensures Dallas Mavericks’ their place in the playoff; beats Toronto Raptors 114-110 

Kristaps Porzingis, made a 3-pointer on the game’s first shot and the Mavs never trailed, though the undermanned Toronto Raptors cut it close late. Toronto used only seven players, going without its top seven scorers, mostly because of injuries. But also with the season winding down and the Toronto Raptors out of contention for even a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Toronto Raptors rookie Jalen Harris, who is interestingly a Dallas native making his second career start in as many nights, had 31 points to lead his team. Malachi Flynn had 26 points. Toronto, which trailed by 19 points early in the second half, was within 105-102 on Malachi Flynn’s 3-pointer with three minutes left, which followed a Dallas Mavericks turnover after his layup. 

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The Southwest Division-winning, Dallas Mavericks are in fifth place in the West, with a one-game lead over Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 5 seed with one regular-season game remaining for both teams. The latter team have the tiebreaker if they finish with the same record because they won two of three against Mavericks this season. 

Also Read: Washington Wizards beat Cleveland Cavaliers 120-105 to clinch play-in spot