P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford: Mavericks’ Dynamic Duo Transforming Team Culture
According to the story, the Mavericks had been interested in Daniel Gafford for five years, dating back to his pre-draft training in 2019.
Particularly following his impressive performance of making 86.4% of his shots and achieving a 175 Offensive Rating in 10 games against them over the past five years.
Gli Wizards sotto 3-1 negli #NBAPlayoffs , con uno scarto medio di 20.3 punti nelle 3 sconfitte.
Daniel Gafford ha un +/- totale di +14.
– Con 12.8 punti, 5.5 rimbalzi, 2.0 stoppate, 86.4% FG (18/18 in restricted-area)
Un regalo della trade deadline.#NBA #OTnba #DCAboveAll pic.twitter.com/a5RHbNhlvg— Michele Conti (@MicheleConti00) June 1, 2021
It emerged that Luka Doncic had also been searching for something. Doncic told Mavs.com after the Trade Deadline: “I believe we acquired two very talented players.” We expanded our team by adding some additional members and a backup center, a move I have been wanting for about three years.
Dream Come True:
When the Mavs acquired Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the Trade Deadline, it fulfilled everyone’s wishes.
Almost precisely three months later, with Luka struggling and Kyrie Irving not shooting well in Game 2 against the top-seeded Thunder, Daniel Gafford, and Washington demonstrated their worthwhile trailing 1-0. In the second game, the duo scored a total of 42 points, with 29 points coming from Washington, and shot 62.5% from the field, leading the Mavs to a 119-110 victory.
Best Over of the Day.
Dereck Lively Over 6.5 Points
Lively is a +34 on the court the last two games while Daniel Gafford is a -16 in that time
Which means Lively likely sees the majority of the minutes and he has also taken 7+ Shots in back to back games
Meaning he is seeing… pic.twitter.com/bFtz7duwDK
— Alex Caruso (@AlexCaruso) May 13, 2024
Towers Of Power:
During Washington’s initial playoff run and Daniel Gafford’s second, Washington is ranked third on the team in NetRtg and mpg, with Gafford holding the second spot in DefRtg (min. 20 miles per gallon (mpg)
Washington emphasized the significance of displaying his skills in the Playoffs, stating that it holds immense importance. Clearly, we have numerous talented individuals on our team, and everyone has been friendly from the beginning. It seems like a family environment to me.
Immediate Influence:
Luka and Kyrie’s collaboration grabbed the attention for the majority of the latter part of the year. Daniel Gafford and Washington subtly transformed the Mavs. Group of individuals working together towards a common goal. At any time. Led by the duo, the Mavs were the sole team in NBA history to improve from 25th or lower in rebounds and blocks per game in the initial 52 games to 10th or higher in the final 30.
P.J Washington: 29 PTS, 11 REB, 7-11 3P
Tim Hardaway Jr: 17 PTS, 6-10 FG
Daniel Gafford: 13 PTS, 7 REB, 4-6 FG
Josh Green: 11 PTS, 3-5 3PPartida ÉPICA dos coadjuvantes de Dallas hoje.
Esses caras seguram a bronca de minutos com Doncic e Kyrie no banco no 3ºQ e AUMENTARAM a… pic.twitter.com/9Y7aWrCPjg
— Pisou Na Linha 🏀🇧🇷 (@pisounalinha) May 10, 2024
Dallas saw significant improvements in their defensive rating, defensive rebound rate, and opponent shooting percentage after the Deadline, jumping from 22nd to 7th in DefRtg, 26th to 6th in defense rebound Rate, and holding teams 1.9% below their average shooting percentage.
The Mavs continue to play at a fast pace, leading all Playoff teams in blocks per game and ranking 8th in DefRtg.
Mavs coach Jason Kidd commented that their defense shifted upon their arrival. They will not voice any grievances. There is no need to design a play specifically for them. They are willing to do everything necessary for the team to be victorious.
Kidd has repeatedly emphasized that since they arrived, the players have consistently transformed the culture. Our defense was ready as soon as they got here.