(Dallas) Luka Doncic had 41 points as the Dallas Mavericks posted an awkward 102-98 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
Posted at 12:14 a.m.
A long three-point shot from Doncic gave the Mavericks a 100-96 lead, with a minute to go.
Toronto came within two points and Pascal Siakam had a steal, but Fred VanVleet and Chris Boucher missed shots that would have been worth three points.
Kristaps Porzingis put the finishing touches with free throws, ending the night with 18 points.
Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 16 points for the Mavericks, who won a fourth straight game.
Fifth in the West, the Mavericks have lost only once in 11 games.
Doncic had 14 rebounds, tying a personal best in 2021-22.
Siakam provided 20 points, OG Anunoby 19 and VanVleet 18.
The Raptors only made a quarter of their three-point shots. They also missed five free throws, against only one for the Mavericks.
Since a six-game winning streak, the Raptors have been defeated four of five times, including three times by five runs or less.
Nick Nurse used just seven players.
VanVleet was just three for 15 from three-point range, but a pass cut Dallas’ lead to 96-95. That was before Doncic was acting up again.
Injured in the left ankle, Gary Trent missed a sixth game in a row.
Toronto (21-21) is 10and in the East, half a game ahead of New York.
The Raptors complete a five-game road trip Friday in Washington.
The Wizards, Hornets and Celtics are also battling for ranks 7-10.
Charlotte will play in Toronto on Tuesday.