Mavs Make an Early Comeback to Beat the Toronto Raptors, Getting Their Sixth Straight Win

The Mavericks faced the Toronto Raptors for the second time this season. The first time they met on December 28th, the Raptors ended the Mavs' five game win streak, as Dirk was out with a sprained knee.

After a good Rally, the Mavs got the Win over the Raptors, 114-96. This was their 6th consecutive win, and they have now won 16 of their last 17 games.

The Mavs had a horrendous start to the game as they were down 22-3 at one point in the first quarter. None of the Mavs could find their rhythm, but eventually rallied back to end the first quarter being down just 30-24.

Amir Johnson's game-play was key for Toronto in the first half as he ran the floor and went 6-7. Jose Calderon also played well as he went 5-6 into the half.

You can thank Dirk Nowitzki for helping the Mavs come back from being down almost 20 points in the first quarter as he had 18 points at the half; 16 of those points came in the second quarter. Dallas' bench also helped to keep the Mavs' close as they racked up 27 points.

Toronto led into the half, 57-50.

In the first quarter, Toronto only had 2 turnovers. In the start of the second half they totaled 15, giving Mavs an advantage in catching up.

Turnovers continued to be an issue for the Raptors while Nowitzki, Marion and Terry all kept the Mavs in the game. After being tied at 65 early in the third, the Mavs took the lead going into the fourth, 75-72.

Mavs started the fourth quarter on an 8-2 run.

With less than five minutes to go in the game, The Mavs turned their largest deficit, 19, into their largest lead, soon winning the game 114-96.

Dirk led the Mavs with 31 points and 13 rebounds, getting his 10th double-double of the season. (The Mavs are 10-0 when he records a double-double). Marion had 20 points, Terry had 19 points, Mahinmi had 13, and Barea had 12.

For the Raptors, Amir Johnson led the team with 21 points, DeRozan had 19 and Calderon had 15.

The Mavs out-rebounded the Raptors by 7, and the Raptors doubled the Mavs' turnovers.

Next, the Mavs travel to Philadelphia to face the 76ers in their last game in this 3-game road trip.