Dallas Mavericks fix longtime issue in 35-point win over Thunder

On Saturday morning, Dallas Mavericks fans had their eyes glued to their phones.

The Mavs' two newest trade acquisitions were scheduled to have their introductory press conference at 10:30 AM, and Dallas had a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 2:30.

Everyone wanted to know if the Mavs' newest trade acquisitions, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, would be playing later that day.

Dallas Mavericks fix longtime issue in 35-point win over Thunder

The first question asked to the new players during their press conference was if they would be playing. Both of them looked at each other, smiled, and said yes in unison. This duo was eager to get to work, and they made their presence felt in the 146-111 home win over the Thunder.

Washington finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and one steal, making his presence felt on both ends in 24 minutes, and Dallas' other new frontcourt player made his presence felt even more.

Gafford finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, and one block while shooting 666 percent from the field. This is the exact performance that Dallas needed from him, and it also addressed an issue that the Mavs have had for years.

The Mavs' backup big spot has been weak for an extremely long time, and Luka Doncic even mentioned how he has wanted a backup big for multiple years. Gafford proved that this will no longer be an issue in Dallas anymore, as they now have him and Dereck Lively II as the team's centers.

Gafford was all over the offensive glass, had multiple dunks, and was the energizer bunny that the team needed. He plays with tons of passion, and the fans were showing him love all game long.

The Mavs looked like a completely different team with Gafford and Washington on the floor, and both players were ecstatic to be in Dallas. It will be a sight to see once Lively II returns to the lineup, and both players will be big pieces for the Mavs down the stretch.

For all the latest on P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and the Dallas Mavericks this season, stay tuned.