The Dallas Mavericks (1-2) finally broke through, outlasting the Toronto Raptors (1-2) in a 139-129 scoring showdown on October 27.
Here are the key stats and the top performers of the game.
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Anthony Davis DAL PF 25 PTS | 10 REB | 3 STL | 53.5 FPS
AD dominated on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he barely missed, converting 11 of 14 attempts from the field to record his third consecutive 20-point game. Defensively, he tallied another double-digit rebounding effort while averaging four stocks. Over his last three seasons with the Lakers, he has totaled 136 double-double performances.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Scottie Barnes TOR PF 33 PTS | 11 REB | 6 AST | 53.2 FPS
Barnes has been on a tear in his first three games, averaging 24 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6 assists. However, foul troubles and turnovers have been a concern.
SCORING LEADERS:
D’Angelo Russell DAL PG 24 PTS | 8-18 FG | 6-8 FT | 46.0 FPS
Russell wasn’t much of a factor in their first two games, and his struggles showed early as he missed his first seven attempts. However, he was able to turn things around and finished as the third-best scorer in the game.
Brandon Ingram TOR SF 22 PTS | 10-16 FG | 2-3 3PT | 36.7 FPS
Ingram had a brilliant offensive game, finishing with his second straight 20-point performance. In six seasons with the Pelicans, he has consistently averaged over 20 points per game.
STAT SPECIALIST:
PJ Washington DAL PF 17 PTS | 7 REB | 5 AST | 33.9 FPS
PJ had his least efficient shooting performance of the season, but he still recorded his third straight game with at least 17 points while making a solid all-around impact.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
Derrick Lively DAL C 4 PTS | 7 REB | 3 BLK | 25.4 FPS
Lively has stepped up on defense in his last two games, putting up 6.5 rebounds and 3 stocks per game. In his first two seasons in the league, he averaged 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Max Christie DAL SG 17 PTS | 5-8 FG | 3-5 3PT | 23.4 FPS
Christie continues to deliver on offense, averaging three three-pointers per game on 60% shooting through his first three outings this season.
THE X-FACTOR:
Naji Marshall DAL SF 12 PTS | 6 REB | 2 STL | 27.7 FPS
Marshall has delivered solid production across the board for the second consecutive outing. He also shone on offense today, with a flawless 4-for-4 showing from both the field and the free-throw line.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Cooper Flagg DAL SF 22 PTS | 4 REB | 4 AST | 35.8 FPS
Flagg is starting to find his rhythm on offense, shooting 14-for-28 from the field and averaging 20 points in his last two games. He also continues to play solid defense while also contributing in the secondary categories.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Klay Thompson 10 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST
Thompson shot much better today after a slow start to the season, converting only 2 of his 11 attempts from long range. Despite that, his overall production still falls short of what he’s capable of.
