The Dallas Mavericks never do anything halfway, win or lose. And the team's first win of the season came in historic fashion.

Behind Josh Richardson and Luka Doncic's 13 first-quarter points; the Mavs jumped out to an impressive 36-13 lead over the Clippers who were without Kawhi Leonard. The team never looked back. And for the first time all season, everyone looked engaged on the defensive end.

"After the last game we talked in the locker room about taking these games more seriously," Richardson said after the game on the Mavericks broadcast. "We had two first tough games, against two great teams. So yesterday, we had a detailed practice, and that helped us a lot going into today."

The Mavs defense held the Clippers to 22 percent shooting from the field in the first frame. It also held an on-fire Paul George to 3-9 from the field and nine points. The second frame was more of the same, as the Mavs offense surged for 41 points with Jalen Brunson leading the way with nine points in the quarter.

At halftime, the Mavs owned the largest half-time lead in the shot clock era, according to ESPN stats.

The biggest halftime lead in NBA history now belongs to us ? pic.twitter.com/FiHfjSnDZ3

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 27, 2020

The rest of the game was just formality. And it feels like the Dallas Mavericks are finally back. No, like, really back.

Double-digit scoring for Dallas:

The Mavs had four players in double digits: Doncic (24), Richardson (21), Tim Hardaway Jr. (18), Brunson (11). It's not the first time this season multiple players reached double figures. However, it is the first game this season they have done so efficiently.

The Mavs got a plethora of open looks off of Doncic's playmaking, along with open shots in transition. For example, when Doncic rebounded a Clippers' miss and found Hardaway Jr. on a quick outlet pass.

This felt like the first time this season plays such as an open outlet pass happened for the Mavs. This team thrives in transition. And it has a transcendent playmaker, who plays his best basketball when teammates are running the floor. This is the brand of basketball Dallas needs to play going forward.

When the game slows down, the half-court offense becomes stand around and watch Luka take on everyone else. That brand of basketball isn't conducive to winning. Instead, when everyone is touching the ball, and feeling engaged, you get nights like tonight where Dallas could do no wrong.

Efficiency on offense is the name of the game for Dallas. And a good offense is often backed by sound team defense, and for Dallas, this was the first game it had both. The results — efficient double-digit scorers.

More minutes for Willie Cauley-Stein?

Cauley-Stein is one of the fastest centers in the league. And against the Clippers, he played in a season high 18 minutes. His energy on the court was infectious. And for a team struggling to guard the paint, he provides a big athletic frame to alter shots and avert drives. He posted nine points, one block and six rebounds against the Clippers. To add, Dallas was a plus 31 when he was on the floor.

Cauley-Stein may not be the perfect answer to an inconsistent defense, but he can provide, at the very least, energy off the bench and hard rolling in the pick-and-roll. Both are things Dallas needs going forward.

Looking forward:

It feels good to get back into the win column. Hopefully, this win quells all the doomsday Mavs fans that were already complaining about the team and coaching staff. A slow start does not mean a lost season.

If this win proves anything to Mavs fans, let it be that this team is malleable, and it is still a move, or two, away from true contention. We will see what the real Mavs team looks like when Kristaps Porzingis returns in January. And we will see what moves the team make near the trade deadline. For now, it's on to Hornets and LaMelo Ball on Wednesday.

Feature image via Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports