Following a 109-99 loss to the Clippers on Monday, the Mavericks looked like a completely different team in the second game of the two-game series against the Clippers last night, winning 105-89 in impressive fashion led by the outstanding play of Luka Doncic.

Luka Doncic was magnificent last night – or should I say ‘Luka Magic’. Doncic played what could arguably be his most complete game as a Maverick, finishing with 42 points, six rebounds, nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.

Everything was going Luka’s way last night, including his shots from deep, hitting 6-of-11 from downtown. Whether it was Kawhi Leonard or Paul George, it did not matter. Luka was able to pick his spot and get there whenever he wanted, including the dagger as Luka crossed George over, forcing him to fall, and nailing a smooth floater from about 12-feet before raising his hands in the air.

🍀 LUCK OF THE DONCIC 🍀 pic.twitter.com/3Tr9TmplVY

— x – Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) March 18, 2021

And on the defensive end, it’s evident that Luka is not the same defensive liability he was when first coming into the league. The effort is there. The physicality is there.

Speaking of the defensive end, it was Josh Richardson who won the coveted defensive player of the game championship belt. Richardson was all over the floor on both ends as his infectious energy surely was soaked up by the rest of the team. J-Rich finished with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block.

Flex on ‘em, @J_Rich1.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣. #MFFL pic.twitter.com/RsmILHrtXw

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) March 18, 2021

The Mavericks will look to continue gaining ground in the Western Conference playoff picture on Friday in the first of a two-game series against the Portland Trail Blazers.