NBA playoffs 2024 - Two under-the-radar trades turned the Mavericks into a real West threat - ESPN

Editor's note: This story was originally published on April 27. On Sunday, the Mavericks won Game 3 against the Timberwolves to go up 3-0 in the Western Conference finals.

JUST SECONDS INTO Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington's debut as Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 10, roughly 48 hours after being moved at the trade deadline, Gafford sensed an opportunity.

Luka Doncic had the ball on the left wing and the full attention of the Oklahoma City Thunder, drawing two help defenders. OKC guard Isaiah Joe was left as the low man, giving Gafford a size advantage of seven inches and about 70 pounds — if he acted quickly.

Gafford established position on Joe and made eye contact with Doncic, who took one dribble toward the middle of the floor and delivered a leaping lob over the top of the defense. Gafford grabbed the pass with two hands and threw it down.

Twenty-four seconds later, he dunked again off a Doncic assist, drop-stepping and finishing over Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after catching a 75-foot outlet pass.

«Right spot at the right time,» Gafford told ESPN, referring more to his fit with a new franchise rather than his positioning during the highlight plays. «I was like, 'It's going to be a good time being here with this team.'»

And on Dallas' next possession, Washington scored his first bucket as a Maverick in spectacular fashion, catching an alley-oop that Doncic delivered from near half court.

Gafford and Washington's instant collaboration with the franchise's superstar guard was a sign of things to come for a revamped Dallas roster. The Mavs, in stark contrast to last season's lottery team, suddenly feature a high-flying supporting cast to complement Doncic and co-star Kyrie Irving.

Dallas general manager Nico