Orlando Magic vs. Dallas Mavericks

Game 43 | American Airlines Center | 15 January 2022

As the buzzer sounds, “This Magic Moment” starts to play and it only seems fitting. For the first time this year, the Mavericks played as a full unit.

The Mavericks have suffered probably the most out of any team in the league when it comes to COVID19 and injuries. Head Coach, Jason Kidd, has been a mastermind at making a complete lineup by game time. The Mavericks have offered multiple 10-day contracts to players in the G League; but, also free agents. While the Mavericks have not only made it work, they made lemonade out of lemons. The newest addition to the Mavericks roster is Marquese Chriss. Before the game today, the Mavericks offered the Power Forward, Chriss a two-year deal in replacement of Willie Cauley-Stein.

With the return of Head Coach, Jason Kidd, and The Unicorn, Kristaps Porziņģis the Mavericks were truly, the Mavericks. MFFL’s had gotten used to a court without Luka Doncic or Kristaps Porzingis; but, tonight… we were reminded how unstoppable a full functioning team truly is. This particular game was poetry in motion and for the first time in a long time, everything that could go right, went right.

Porzingis’s return was a sweet one. 4 minutes and 55 seconds into the first quarter, Porzingis was the most efficient player on the court with 7PTS, 3-3 on FGM (100%) and 1-1 3PM (100%). He finished the night with 19PTS, 7REB, 1STL, 1BLK. Point Guard, Jalen Brunson, is making his case when it comes to the All-Star conversation, as he is putting up similar numbers to The Unicorn. Brunson went 19PTS, 5REB, 3AST, 2STL for the night. However, the star of the show was Step-back-Jack, Luka Doncic. Doncic has this ability to effortlessly put up All-Star numbers back to back nights. Coming off of his most impressive performance in last night’s game against the Grizzlies and earning his 40th career triple-double, Doncic ended his night with 23PTS, 9REB, 3 AST.

The Mavericks led the game in a wire-to-wire effort, never allowing the Magic to even come close to grabbing the lead. The Mavericks are finally starting to see a consistent effort in their games. From beating the hottest team in basketball to dominating the 15th seed, this may be the magic moment the Mavericks have been waiting on.

The Mavericks have one final stop on their roadtrip in Oklahoma City, Monday night at 7:30 p.m. E.T.