National team captain Dennis Schröder from the Toronto Raptors clearly won in their first meeting with Maxi Kleber since the World Cup title and inflicted their second defeat of the season on the Dallas Mavericks.
The guests from Canada were long behind at 127:116 on Wednesday evening (November 8th, 2023), but then took control in the second half and deservedly prevailed.
War of words between Schröder and Kleber
Kleber decided not to take part in the World Cup after being criticized by Schröder before the tournament. In the third quarter, both had a brief verbal battle after a situation on the baseline.
In Dallas, Schröder from Braunschweig had 18 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and a block and once again played a major role in the success of the Raptors, who were able to win two games in a row for the first time this season.
First home defeat for the Mavericks
Kleber didn’t miss a shot in his comeback from a toe injury and hit four of his eight free throws for four points. There were also four assists and two rebounds for the Würzburger.
It was the Mavericks’ first home loss of the season. Luka Doncic for Dallas and Pascal Siakam for Toronto had the most points with 31 points each.
Hartenstein was successful with the New York Knicks
Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein and the New York Knicks recorded a 126:105 win against the San Antonio Spurs led by super talent Victor Wembanyama. Hartenstein had a strong 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals in 15 minutes off the bench. Wembanyama contributed 14 points, 9 rebounds and a block for the Spurs.
Next defeat for the Lakers
In Bradley Beal’s first game for his new team, the Phoenix Suns beat the Chicago Bulls 116:115 after overtime. Beal scored 13 points. The Los Angeles Lakers lost 94:128 at the Houston Rockets without the injured Anthony Davis. The team around superstar LeBron James has already given up five of its eight games this season. In the top game of the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 106:103.