The Dallas Mavericks are showing signs of life lately with their impressive seven-win streak. When Toronto Raptors handed them a 125-118, there are several takeaways we could form out of this close battle.

As usual, the team is a Western powerhouse, but they need to consistently do this to fight at par with stronger teams in the West. What could be the keys to their success?

Klay Thompson Shows Signs of Life

Dalls Mavericks Cruise Past Toronoto Raptors For 7th Straight Win Dalls Mavericks Cruise Past Toronoto Raptors For 7th Straight Win
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Klay Thompson, who has been inconsistent this season, had one of his better games and scored 20 points. Though his three-point shooting remains dodgy (3/9 from deep), the former Golden State Warriors guard flashed his scoring flexibility, hitting five of seven inside shots, Sports Illustrated noted.

With this game perhaps marking the beginning of a re-found rhythm, Dallas will have been waiting for Thompson, and things will be waiting in store for the Mavericks as Thompson seems to add another potent weapon now.

Kyrie Irving Sets the Tone Early

Kyrie Irving came out firing, scoring 16 points in the first quarter alone. His early dominance helped the Mavericks build a commanding 70-54 halftime lead, setting up their victory. The Raptors battled back and chipped away at the lead in the second half but could only get the margin within five.

Toronto, although in a rebuilding phase, showed resilience throughout the game. Their effort reflects an "ethical tanking" approach, with players fighting hard until the final buzzer.

Luka Doncic Is Back to His Form

Luka Doncic has rejuvenated after a slow start to the season. Saturday was the second straight triple-double for Luka, who did no-look passes, and half-court shots, and showed renewed joy in his game.

But he'd tweaked a wrist strain that day and was out for a week, so perhaps he needed that break. As it happens, Doncic's energy and creativity are back in full supply to give Mavericks fans hope that their star is back in an MVP-caliber state.

Bench Production Falls Flat

The Mavericks' bench, which had been the bright spot through this winning streak, did little to support a rallying effort. Daniel Gafford added 10 points and six rebounds but turned it over four times.

The second unit mixed up to do much other than the 2/10 shooting from the floor, including Spencer Dinwiddie, Dwight Powell, and Quentin Grimes.

Dinwiddie salvaged the scoring numbers with a perfect 8/8 from the foul line, but the bench cannot be overly optimistic with performance. It is Naji Marshall's return, sitting out of action at the moment, to give some much-needed depth to their team in the coming games.

Mavericks Ride Momentum to Solidify Contender Status

The Dallas Mavericks are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference with their seventh consecutive win. Stars like Irving and Doncic are stepping up, while role players like Thompson start to find their groove.

But they will have to keep the bench contributing regularly and their key players healthy to continue this success. When the first five lose steam, Dallas needs to depend on the second and third units to keep the game alive.