NBA: Raptors perform heroic return to beat Mavericks

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Latest NBA winners Toronto Raptors made a huge effort to overturn 30-point deficit for a win against Dallas Mavericks 110-107 Sunday night.

Led by American point guard Kyle Lowry, Raptors were down 30 points near the end of the third quarter, 85-55 but the Canada-based team earned a miraculous victory at their home, Scotiabank Arena, scoring 47 points in the last quarter.

It was Raptors' largest return in the franchise history as Lowry tallied 32 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds.

Jalen Brunson, the Mavericks point guard, was the top scorer for the Western Conference franchise as he netted 21 points. Brunson also made 9 assists.

In addition Raptors' Chris Boucher had a 21-point contribution to the victory.

The Mavericks power forward from Latvia, Kristaps Porzingis produced 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Following the win, Raptors were in the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference standings with 21-8 win/loss record.

The best eight teams in the East and West will advance to the 2020 NBA playoffs.

- Tatum drops 39 points, Boston hit Charlotte

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum scored a career-high 39 points to help his team beat Charlotte Hornets 119-93 at TD Garden.

Tatum took 12 rebounds as well.

The 21-year-old American forward averaged 21.6 points and 7.1 rebounds this season.

The Celtics are currently in the second position in the East, winning 20 games but losing seven.

The Milwaukee Bucks are still the leaders of the East as they have 27-4 win/loss record.

Here are results of Sunday’s games in the NBA:

*Toronto Raptors - Dallas Mavericks: 110-107

*Boston Celtics - Charlotte Hornets: 119-93

*Milwaukee Bucks - Indiana Pacers: 117-89

*Oklahoma City Thunder - Los Angeles Clippers: 118-112

*Los Angeles Lakers - Denver Nuggets: 104-128

*Home team