Gifted with a shot-making ability that often goes both beyond comprehension and without an accurate superlative, it was of great irony that Luka Dončić stepped up to a big-time playoff moment with a patented stepback. Eye-to-eye with both his first chance at conquering the L.A. Clippers in the postseason and the player who famously made the stepback jumper his go-to method of excellence, Dončić freezes the moment in time, directing his teammates away, setting the stage for an isolation of the highest consequence. Finally prepared to offer James Harden a glimpse into the mirror with just six seconds left on the play clock, Dončić begins his motion, easing into a trusted spot atop the 3-point arc before sticking a 27-foot dagger, furnishing the Dallas Mavericks with a nine-point edge in the game’s final seconds. Extraordinary in one of the most complete two-way performances of his already-illustrious career, Dončić’s herculean efforts helped steer the Mavericks to a Game Two triumph and a 1-1 series tie. Engaged defensively enough to force opposing scorers into a 2-of-17 shooting performance as the primary defender, Dončić matched it with a predictably-superb offensive showing, erupting for 32 points, six rebounds, nine assists, one steal, one block, and five 3-pointers, prompting a memorable evening on April 23, 2024. · Apr 24, 2024