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After successful homestand, Mavericks visit Raptors

Dec 17, 2008 - 11:20 AM Dallas (13-10) at Toronto (10-14) 7:00 p.m. EST

TORONTO (Ticker) -- Despite enduring their worst shooting night of the season last time out, the Dallas Mavericks have to be happy with their recent run of success.

After closing out an impressive homestand, the Mavericks look to bounce back on Wednesday when they open a three-game road trip against the Toronto Raptors.

Dallas won five of its first six during a season-high, seven-game homestand before shooting a campaign-low 34.9 percent (29-of-83) en route to a 98-88 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Monday's finale.

Dirk Nowitzki poured in 27 points and 10 rebounds, recording his 10th double-double in 14 games for the Mavericks, who shot 28.9 percent (6-of-25) from the floor in the first half and scored only 15 points in the first quarter. Dallas finished 10-of-30 from beyond the arc during the loss.

Nowitzki was pleased with his team's overall performance at home, despite the dismal results against the Nuggets.

"To go 5-2 in seven games is not too bad," Nowitzki said. "We definitely had our chances against San Antonio (during a 133-126 loss on December 9) and (on Monday)."

The Raptors appeared to be turning the corner after their early season woes, with consecutive wins against the Indiana Pacers and New Jersey Nets.

But, Toronto has opened a three-game homestand with a pair of losses, including a 94-87 setback to the Nets on Monday.