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After getting blown out 117-95 by the young OKC Thunder squad in Game 1, the Dallas Mavericks understood that they need to make major adjustments if they wish to come out victorious. With their offense relying heavily on Luka and Kyrie, when those two struggle, it’s hard to find a third guy to take charge and help the Mavs win. Posing similar question to the Inside The NBA panel, Charles Barkley opened the floor for Shaquille O’Neal, who believed that a player who recently admitted to falling out of love with basketball, Daniel Gafford, might be the solution to Dallas’ problems.

“Two guys. That’s PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford.” Shaq responded when Charles Barkley asked which two guys need to step up in this series even if Luka and Kyrie play well. Adding weight to his names, Shaq claimed Washington could be a great three-point shooter alongside the Mavs’ superstar duo. Meanwhile, Gafford would be the perfect player to catch easy lobs from Luka and Kyrie during transition plays.

USA Today via Reuters

Recently making a bold confession, “I kind of fell out of love with the game and I had to kind of like re-evaluate myself.” Gafford shocked the NBA World. But he was going through that feeling during his early career days with the Chicago Bulls. Then, blaming his own laziness and lack of work ethic, Gafford decided to turn things around when he got traded to the Washington Wizards three years ago. He hasn’t looked back since. After overcoming the mental block during his four seasons in Washington, Gafford elevated his game significantly, turning into a double-digit scorer and a great defender.

Then, after a trade to Dallas three months ago, Gafford has improved even more alongside Luka and Kyrie and become one of the key defensive players in the Mavs squad.

Who else needs to step up on the Mavs roster to beat OKC?

While Daniel Gafford seemed like the obvious answer to Barkley’s question, considering he scored a sixteen-point double-double in the first game, there are other players that might need to answer the call to help the Mavs win. “I think the biggest advantage for OKC is the bench.” Witnessing the Mavs bench getting outscored by nineteen points, Barkley posed a great point about Dallas’ situation. Yes, Gafford and Washington will have to play great on a nightly basis. But when it’s the starters’ time to rest, the bench players also need to step up against the OKC’s energetic roster.

No bench player except Josh Green was able to score more than five points in Game 1, and the Mavs will likely not be able to beat OKC if this goes on. Moreover, the Mavs got outplayed in almost all aspects of the game. From getting outrebounded to giving up twenty-five second chance points, Dallas’ lack of energy was evident. Heading into Thursday’s game down 0-1, Luka and Kyrie’s supporting cast will need to come out with more intensity to even the series before heading back home. Do you think the Mavericks can make the adjustments and come out with a win on Thursday?