The Dallas Mavericks secured a hard-fought victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, showcasing their resilience despite numerous turnovers. PJ Washington proved to be the difference-maker, demonstrating why he’s become such a crucial addition to the team.
The Mavericks’ role players are stepping up, with Washington leading the charge. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, finishing the game with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and a career-high 8 assists. Although he had five turnovers, four of them came in the first half, showing his ability to adjust and tighten up his game when it mattered most.
Daniel Gafford also made his presence felt, contributing 22 points and 12 rebounds, including 5 offensive boards. The Mavericks’ ability to dominate the glass was a key factor in their victory, with the team securing 32 second-chance points off 16 offensive rebounds.
Size Matters: The 2024 Trade Deadline Boys Make Their Mark
The acquisitions of Washington and Gafford at the trade deadline have transformed the Mavericks’ culture. Their size and availability have given Dallas a new dimension, allowing them to win games they might have lost in the past. This was especially crucial given the absences of Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively, and other key players.
Kyrie Irving, while not the focus of this game, still delivered a solid performance with 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. His ability to hit tough buckets and score, when needed, provided a steady presence for the Mavericks throughout the contest.
Clutch Plays Seal the Deal
Despite a late surge from the Pelicans, the Mavericks held on thanks to clutch plays from Washington, Kessler Edwards, and Quentin Grimes. Washington’s confidence in taking and making crucial three-pointers down the stretch was particularly impressive, especially considering his earlier struggles.
The Mavericks’ ability to protect the rim and contest shots in the closing minutes was also crucial. Edwards’ block on Yves Pons and Grimes’ defensive stop on Trey Murphy III in the final seconds were game-changing plays that secured the victory.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ win over the Pelicans, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
- Klay Thompson’s impact and shooting gravity
- The emergence of Kessler Edwards in crucial minutes
- Analyzing the Mavericks’ defensive strategy against Zion Williamson
