P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford's full 180 works wonders for Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks completed a gentleman's sweep of the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday, winning Game 5 124-103 to advance to the NBA Finals. Luka Doncic led the way, scoring 36 points on 63.6 percent shooting, winning the Magic Johnson MVP award. The team bounced back after losing Game 4. Dallas will now face the Boston Celtics on June 6, a team favored over the Mavs.

However, none of this would be possible without the free agent signing and trade acquisitions of Nico Harrison. Nico helped the Mavs acquire Kyrie Irving in February of last year. Dallas traded two formers Mavs, a future first-round pick, and two future second-round selections to acquire Irving.

The trade was seen as a gamble, as many teams and the NBA had given up hope on Irving. Dallas however had not, as they later re-signed Irving to a three-year extension last offseason.

P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford's full 180 works wonders for Mavericks

Nico continued to make moves after resigning Irving. He traded for the draft rights of Dereck Lively II during the NBA draft. Then, he solved the Mavs' big-man issues by getting P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.

This move seemed to work for both sides, as both players played a pivotal role in helping the Mavs advance deep in the playoffs. Washington averaged a playoff-high 17.7 points per game against the Oklahoma City Thunder to help Dallas advance to the Western Conference Finals. Gafford too played a role in assisting the Mavs to make a deep run, as he averaged 10.8 points per game, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.6 steals against Minnesota.

Both players took in the moment after advancing to the NBA Finals. Washington was seen on video hyping up Gafford.

""We went from the bottom to the top." "

- P.J. Washington

Washington made the playoffs for the first time with the Dallas Mavericks. It's a surreal moment for him to be a part of something special. Last season, he started in 17 out of 44 games for the Charlotte Hornets. He failed to find a consistent role with Charlotte, as they finished with the fourth-worst record last year.

Gafford on the other hand, made the playoffs once during his career with Washington. However, in his one playoff stint, the Wizards were bounced in the first round. He left the Wizards at the perfect time. Washington had traded their best player Bradley Beal during the offseason and fired their head coach midway through the season.

So, it's safe to say both players are content with their situation in Dallas. Last season, the Mavs finished last in rebounds per game. They averaged a league-worse 38.8 boards. Currently, the Mavericks are averaging the fourth-best rebounds per game in the playoffs. A big part of their turnover is Washington and Gafford.

Mavs' fans can only hope Washington and Gafford's success can lead them to their second NBA Championship.

Stay tuned for all the latest on P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and the Dallas Mavericks' quest for a title.