WASHINGTON - The joy was back.
It was evident on Luka Doncic's face and in his body language and, consequently, obvious in his performance.
No, Doncic did not will the Mavericks to victory Wednesday night, as Washington pulled out a 132-123 victory at Capital One Arena, but at least Doncic's will was back after a conspicuous absence two nights earlier in Brooklyn.
Doncic finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and four steals, but as great as those numbers were, it was his zeal that permeated the game and his teammates' play.
When the Mavericks emerged from the Feb.