Ian Mahinmi’s breakthrough effort helps Mavs fend off Raptors

Added by AHN on December 31, 2011.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Category: Sports
Topics: Sports

AHN Sports Staff

Dallas, TX, United States (AHN Sports) – Dirk Nowtizki scored 18 points and seldom used center Ian Mahinmi chipped in 19 off the bench as the Dallas Mavericks ended their losing streak with a 99-86 win over the Toronto Raptors Friday night at American Airlines Center.

Nowitzki shot 7-for-16 from the field and 4-for-5 from the charity stripe to lift the Mavs to their first victory of the season.

Coming off a heartbreaking loss to Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday night, the Mavs were off and running on their way to building a 12-point lead with less than six minutes left in the first half.

However, Andrea Bargnani sparked a 14-6 rally to move the Raptors within four points, 50-46, at the break.

The teams exchanged furious rallies in the third quarter with Bargnani firing at all cylinders for the Raps while solid defense and an inspired play by Mahinmi kept the Mavs in the thick of the fight.

Mahinmi shot 6-for-6 from the field and 7-for-11 from the free throw line to set a new career-high in 29 minutes of action.

The Mavericks made their move in the fourth quarter as the dynamic duo of Nowitzki and Jason Terry started knocking down jumpers.

The defending NBA champion shot .444 percent from the field and grabbed 40 rebounds, spoiling the 30-point performance from Bargnani.

Dallas finally savored the sweet taste of victory after bowing out in the first three contests.

Toronto suffered its second straight setback after winning the season-opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.