Heading into Saturday night's game against the Detroit Pistons, the Dallas Mavericks were looking for a win over the Miami Heat. Dallas ended its losing streak at three and was looking for another win against Detroit.
Dallas defeated the Pistons 142-124 on the road. Luka Doncic performed as usual, recording 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, setting a record for most consecutive 30-point triple-doubles with six.
Doncic always seems to be making history, and the Mavs can go wherever they take him.
This game will be remembered for Doncic making history, but if the Mavs turn things around completely, the play from the fourth quarter could be the defining moment of the Mavs' season.
Daniel Gafford caught a pass down low, stood up to score, and was fouled by Jayden Ivey. After Ivey's foul, Jaylen Duren pushed Gafford into the basket, and P.J. Washington quickly ran over to check on his teammates.
Hard foul on Jaylen Duren as he pushes Daniel Gafford into the basket.
PJ Washington immediately ran over and stood up for him, pushing Duren away.
These are technicals that any Jason Kidd could take at any time. I love Washington for standing up for Gafford. pic.twitter.com/yzwONECaKk
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) March 10, 2024
Washington nudged Duren out of the way so he could help Gafford, but Duren didn't take it lightly. Duren then shoved Washington, and Washington pushed him back, and the two had to be separated by teammates and referees.
In the end, Duren earned two technical fouls on this play alone, and Washington earned one.
It was a technical foul that Jason Kidd would have loved, and Washington quickly ran to replace Gafford after Duren's dirty play. The play shows the chemistry Gafford and Washington already have, and Gafford is clearly happy that Washington has defended him.
“I love that,” Gafford said when asked when Washington has supported him. “Every time a big guy falls, someone has to stand up.”
Daniel Gafford steps up for PJ Washington after a hard foul on Jaylen Duren:
“I like it. Every time a big man falls, someone has to stand up.” pic.twitter.com/LnhzNe2QEg
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) March 10, 2024
This play may seem like a small thing, but it shows that these players care about each other and aren't going to let a violent foul like Duren do. Both players have only been in Dallas for a month, but they've already formed a strong bond.
Stay tuned for updates on PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Luka Doncic, and the Dallas Mavericks this season
