Raptors vs. Mavericks: Toronto begins four game road trip in the Lone Star State

Hey, the Raptors are 3-0! I don't know about you, but I'll never get tired of saying that. Toronto has looked exceedingly competent in their first three games of the season, like a fighter gradually learning his own strength. They dispatched Indiana on opening night, punched back against Boston on the road, and coolly disarmed the upstart Bucks. They look like a--gasp--good team.

The Mavericks are a punchy 2-1 so far on the season, led by an interesting mismash of characters--aging Dirk, rebuilt Wes Matthews, the twin wonder-punch of Deron Williams and Ray Felton. But their two wins came against, let's be honest, sub-par competition (the Suns and the Lakers). Their loss? A staggering 104-88 defeat at the hands of the Clippers.

Which team will emerge victorious tonight? Will the Raptors continue their mission and move to 4-0 or will Dallas pull another trick out of its veteran bag of treats? (Sorry, I'm eating leftover Halloween candy as I write this.)

Some pre-game reading:

- Our preview of tonight's game.

- The return of Quick Stat Hits from Daniel Hackett.

Let's get to the gamethread.