3 discouraging takeaways from Dallas Mavericks loss to Raptors

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks loss to Raptors: 1. Sold out to stop Luka

The Raptors were not going to let Luka Doncic defeat them on Saturday night on their home floor. He went for 35 points in the first meeting against Toronto, and Raptors head coach Nick Nurse loves to throw multiple defensive looks at the Mavericks superstar. It was no different on Saturday night.

Toronto was doubling and forcing the ball out of Luka’s hands. It still found a way to score 24 points, but his shot attempts were down. Dallas needed others to step up on Saturday, and it just did not happen. The Mavs had four players in double figures, but Reggie Bullock, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green going zero of ten from 3-point range hurt.

Dallas needs Luka to be otherworldly to win right now, and he cannot do that when the opposition sells out to stop him. Toronto brought two defenders nearly every possession, and the rest of the Mavericks did not do quite enough for Dallas to grab a win.

The Dallas Mavericks are back in action on Sunday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Fans know Luka Doncic will be locked in as he faces Giannis Antetokounmpo, and fans won’t want to miss it, so please tune in and enjoy the show.