The Toronto Raptors made history last night at Scotiabank Arena. The reigning NBA champions rallied back from a 30-point deficit to beat the Dallas Mavericks in one of the most exciting games this season. The final result was 110-107 for the hosts, who dropped 47 points in the last 12 minutes.
Kyle Lowry scored 20 points in that part of the contest and was unstoppable. But truth to be told, the ones who delivered the initial spark were Terence Davis, Chris Bouchard, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Lowry would take over the wheel after their energy-burst and rearrange the situation on the court.
“He was unbelievable, right?” Nick Nurse said about his guard’s performance. “And he really didn’t have that good a game going until that point, too. Then he started firing and making and driving and and-one-ing — he was doing it all. I’m not sure I’ve seen anything like it.”
This was the highest comeback in the Raptors’ franchise history, and the biggest lead ruined in Mavericks’.
With 2:55 left in the third period, the guests from Texas were up 30 buckets, 83-53. However, a 32-9 run of the Raptors brought back the champs, and with 4:09 left, they were leading once again.
Still, Dallas had a chance to get away with a win, with Kristaps Porzingis setting the result at 107-106 with 32 seconds remaining. However, Boucher scored four straight points to claim the X-factor label in this battle.
“All (Lowry) said was ‘keep pushing,'” Boucher said. “He led us the right way, put us in great spots. Kyle does that every time. Even when people don’t see it. Kyle’s a great leader.”
Dallas was superior in the second and third quarters, during which they’ve scored 69 buckets. Some of the Raptors fans left their seats near the end of the third period, which turned out to be a great mistake in the end.
They wouldn’t see one of the greatest comebacks ever.
The Mavericks’ players looked completely demoralized once media representatives entered the locker room. They didn’t know what hit them.
“They were just taking it to us. Before you knew it, they cut the lead to 10 and then cut the lead to five,” Tim Hardaway Jr. explained what it felt like when Raptors started pounding.
He ended the night with 16 points and 8 boards. Jalen Brunson had a team-high 21 points with 9 assists, while Porzingis added 19 and 12 rebounds. Dwight Powel scored 17, and Dorian Finney-Smith 14.
Among the Raptors, Lowry finished the match with 32 buckets, 10 dimes, and 8 boards. Boucher had a season-high 21 with 7 rebounds, while Hollis-Jefferson added 18 and 9 rebounds.
This was the sixth straight victory for the Raptors, who now have 21 wins and 8 losses. Although Nurse’s team faces various adversities, they are still doing well. Three of five players from the starting lineup didn’t play tonight, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol, and Norman Powell. Toronto faces Indiana on the road this Monday.
Dallas (19-10) is still without Doncic, who, according to Rick Carlisle’s words, will to start playing between Christmas and January. The Mavs host San Antonio this Thursday.
