The picture says it all. A couple nights after suffering a heart-breaking overtime loss to the hands of the Charlotte Bobcats, the Toronto Raptors kicked-off the first of a four-game road trip on a positive note, beating the likes of the Dallas Mavericks, 109-108. While being down by as many as 19 points early in the first-half, the Raptors were able to battle back, and (this time) come away victorious in overtime, stopping a Monta Ellis game-winner attempt. Tonight’s win was of great importance for the Raptors, as these next stretch of games could very well dictate the direction of this team going forward this season.
Offense: A
Although the assist total was under 20 (just 17 assists), the Raptors offense was fairly fluent once again tonight. Putting up a total of 109 points, the Raptors showed various ways of putting the ball in the hoop, whether that be going inside, or scoring from the perimeter (11-21 from beyond the arc). The presence of Jonas Valanciunas and Amir Johnson were crucial for the Raptors tonight, as the duo combined for 33 points, and 19 rebounds on 13-21 shooting. The point-guard duo of Greivis Vasquez and Kyle Lowry (who continues to be amidst trade rumors) were also fantastic tonight, as they were able to maintain a sufficient tempo within the offense, allowing the Raptors to come away with positive possessions.
Note: Six players finished in double-digits scoring-wise for the Raptors.
Defense: C-
Allowing the Mavericks to shoot 50% from the floor, and 47% from beyond the arc isn’t what Dwane Casey and the Toronto Raptors had planned tonight; but fortunately for them, their offense bailed them out. Surrendering 108 points in (shockingly) a winning effort, the Raptors looked a step slow on defense tonight. While failing to close out on shooters, and switching relatively late on screens, the Dallas Mavericks benefited from various open looks, thanks in large part to a whopping 31 assists. To the Raptors credit, as bad as their defense was throughout the entirety of this game, their defense in crunch-time, especially against Dirk Nowitzki (who had missed his last six shots), was substantially better.
Rebounding: B+
The Toronto Raptors were solid once again from a rebounding standpoint tonight, out-rebounding the Mavericks, 46-45. Jonas Valanciunas led all players with 13 rebounds, and proved to be a dominant force inside against a team who struggles in the interior overall.
Game ball: DeMar DeRozan
While he didn’t have the most appealing shooting night (6-18 from the field), DeMar DeRozan hit a couple of clutch shots late, in order to help secure a W against the Dallas Mavericks tonight, including a game-tying basket to help send this game to overtime, and tough jump shot while being fouled which turned out to be the go-ahead basket. Aside from his scoring, DeRozan was able to contribute in other ways; finishing with 9 assists, and 7 rebounds as well.
