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3 Thoughts After Dallas Escapes Toronto, 125
The Dallas Mavericks’ 125-121 overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night was a thrilling contest that had a little bit of everything. There were big plays, momentum swings, and plenty of drama. In the end, the Mavericks were able to pull out the win thanks to a strong performance from Luka Doncic and some timely plays down the stretch.
1. Luka Doncic is a superstar
This is hardly a new revelation, but it’s worth repeating every time Doncic takes the court. The 23-year-old Slovenian is one of the most talented players in the NBA, and he’s only getting better. Against the Raptors, Doncic finished with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. He also hit the game-winning shot in overtime.
Doncic is a do-it-all player who can score, rebound, pass, and defend. He’s also a fearless leader who isn’t afraid to take big shots. With Doncic leading the way, the Mavericks are a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
2. The Mavericks’ defense needs to improve
While the Mavericks’ offense is one of the best in the league, their defense has been a bit of a liability this season. Against the Raptors, the Mavericks gave up 121 points, including 34 points in the fourth quarter. They also allowed the Raptors to shoot 50% from the field.
The Mavericks need to find a way to improve their defense if they want to be a serious contender in the playoffs. They need to be able to get stops when they need them, and they need to be able to force turnovers. If they can’t improve their defense, they’ll be vulnerable to being upset in the playoffs.
3. The Mavericks have a lot of potential
Despite their defensive struggles, the Mavericks have a lot of potential. They have a young, talented core led by Doncic, and they have a good coach in Jason Kidd. If they can figure out their defensive issues, they could be a major force in the Western Conference.
The Mavericks have a lot of work to do, but they have the potential to be a special team. They have a lot of young talent, and they have a good coach. If they can put it all together, they could be a contender for the championship.
Conclusion
The Mavericks’ win over the Raptors was a big one. It showed that they have the potential to be a contender in the Western Conference. However, they also need to improve their defense if they want to be a serious threat in the playoffs. With Doncic leading the way, the Mavericks have a lot of potential. If they can figure out their defensive issues, they could be a major force in the NBA.
