TORONTO – DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points, and Bismack Biyombo grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds to lift the injury-riddled Toronto Raptors over the Dallas Mavericks 103-99 on Tuesday.
Kyle Lowry had a double double with 17 points and 10 boards and added seven assists for the Raptors (18-12), who were down to nine players by the second half. Terrence Ross scored 16 points, while Luis Scola chipped in with 15 and Cory Joseph had 12.
Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs (15-13) with 20 points, while Wesley Matthews added 15.
Already missing starters Jonas Valanciunas (broken hand) and DeMarre Carroll (knee injury), the Raptors lost another forward when James Johnson sprained his ankle in the pre-game warmup. Patrick Patterson, who was suffering what the team called “flu-like symptoms” didn’t return after halftime.
Two nights after their worst first quarter of the season _ a 104-94 loss _ a fired-up Raptors squad rebounded with its best. They ended the first up 32-16, both their largest first-quarter lead this season, and fewest points they’ve allowed.
The Mavericks had the Raptors in trouble in the third when they pulled to within three points, and the Raptors led just 72-67 going into the fourth quarter.
