NEW ORLEANS – After months of hearing about “next man up,” the Mavericks have evolved into living proof that the concept works.

Especially when your next men were pretty darn good to begin with.

Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington have leveled up with so many injuries opening up opportunities for them and that was never more on display than Wednesday night at Smoothie King Center.

Both players came through with big games and clutch fourth quarters as the Mavericks were able to grind out a 137-136 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, starting their longest trip of the season with a heart-healthy showing.

A city bracing for the hysteria that comes with next week’s Super Bowl extravaganza hasn’t exactly fallen in love with these Pelicans. The crowd was small and cozy. But it didn’t show with the teams, who put on an entertaining show, none more riveting than Washington and Gafford.

Washington, a rebounding beast of late, had 25 points and 14 boards. He also missed a triple-double by just two assists. Gafford piled up 22 points and 12 rebounds as the pair earned more than just a push against the Pelicans’ big men.

And they kept adding fuel to the fire that their games are growing significantly this season.

“We have to,” Washington said. “We don’t have a choice at this moment. We’re down a lot of players and everybody is taking it personally to go out there and play well. As long as we play together, it doesn’t matter who’s on the court. When we play like that, it’s easy for everybody to keep the momentum going.”

Kyrie Irving, who matched Washington’s 25 points, said the strides this team has taken with the injuries to Luka Dončić and Dereck Lively II have been a thing of beauty. In particular, the play of Gafford and Washington has been vital.

“It’s been great,” Irving said. “It’s been instrumental for our team’s success. I want them to continue to develop those good habits we’re going to need from them in the future. We’ve just accepted the reality of where we are as a team (with) the injuries. We need everybody to step up and continue to do the little things to get us wins.

“We couldn’t have predicted anything like this but now that we’re here, it’s beautiful to watch those guys grow and develop the keen sense that you need for the game. Every little thing matters, especially when you’re a young guy trying to get the reps necessary to be a great player in this league.”

The Mavericks needed all they could get in the fourth quarter against the Pelicans. They were down 101-100, but then started scoring in threes. Klay Thompson (20 points) and Washington both dropped in two three-pointers and Daniel Gafford had a pair of old-fashioned three-point plays as the Mavericks went on a 20-10 tear to open up a 120-111 advantage.

When the Pelicans got within 122-118, Washington drilled another triple with 2:48 to go to send the Mavericks on their way. At least until Dejounte Murray’s three-pointer with 15 seconds got the Mavericks’ attention and the Pelicans within 136-133. But Spencer Dinwiddie canned the second of two free throws with 11.4 to go to make it a two-score game, rendering a three-pointer by C.J. McCollum with 0.2 seconds moot as the Mavericks improved to 26-22. The Pelicans did not play like a team that fell to 12-36.

In the fourth quarter, Washington and Gafford combined for 22 points, hitting all eight of the shots they took. Four of Washington’s five makes were from beyond the three-point arc and were a big reason why the Mavericks scored 80 points in the second half.

The Mavericks avenged the 119-116 loss the Pelicans handed them two weeks ago. They are now 2-1 this season against New Orleans with a final meeting on Feb. 21, the first game after the All-Star break.

“We felt like we should have gotten a win here last time,” Washington said. “That was one we kind of let the game get away from us.”

Wednesday’s was not, largely because of Washington, who in the past eight games has averaged 10.9 rebounds per game. And his overall game has been front and center. Coach Jason Kidd praised the play of Gafford and Washington.

“We’re stretching them, but those guys aren’t complaining about the minutes,” Kidd said. “Gaff is playing at a high level for us. Not just protecting the rim but getting out offensively, eating the glass and we’ve been able to play through him in the post. He’s doing an incredible job.

“And P.J. has been doing a great job since he’s been here. We need those two guys to lead us with Kai.”

Said Washington: “Gaff is a beast. I’m proud of him and super-glad he’s on my team. He’s gotten way better. He’s killing people in the post, playing at an elite level.”

Sometimes, all it requires is an opportunity.

X: @ESefko

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