Nico Harrison's Masterstroke: Mavericks Advance to Western Conference Finals on the Strength of His Additions

Despite being absent on Friday night, Nico Harrison's contributions to the Dallas Mavericks' success this season were undeniable. His acquisitions, including PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Derrick Jones Jr., played pivotal roles in the Mavericks' upset victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder and their subsequent advancement to the Western Conference finals.

Nico Harrison's absence from the American Airlines Center on Friday night was conspicuous, but his handiwork was impossible to miss. The Dallas Mavericks are headed to the Western Conference finals for the second time in three years, propelled by the contributions of players he brought to the team through trades and free agency.

While Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving commanded the spotlight with their stellar performances, it was the trio of PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Derrick Jones Jr. who made the difference in the Mavericks' 117-116 win that clinched the series against the No. 1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.

"They never complain, just play hard. Those are the kind of people you need on your team," Dončić said of Washington and Jones Jr. "We don't win the series without DLive. For a rookie, not being scared, it's insane the way he played."

In the final minutes, Lively II erupted for eight of his 12 points and six of his 15 rebounds, repeatedly outmuscling Thunder phenom Chet Holmgren. Washington, who entered the game with a dismal postseason free-throw percentage of 52.4, calmly sank two clutch free throws with just 2.5 seconds remaining to give the Mavericks the lead.

Earlier, Jones Jr. rescued Irving by grabbing the rebound of his blocked shot and draining a turnaround fadeaway jumper over Holmgren, extending the Mavericks' lead to 115-110 with less than two minutes left on the clock.

"Obviously if I had the moment back I wouldn't have fouled him," said Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander about his foul on Washington. "I would have just let him miss the shot. You wish you could take the moment back, just have to learn from it, and I will."

The Mavericks' win is a testament to Nico Harrison's astute roster construction. After the team's disappointing exit from the playoffs last season, Harrison remained steadfast in his belief that the Dončić-Irving duo could succeed with the right supporting cast.

Harrison identified the need for an athletic rim protector and lob threat, which Lively II fulfills. Washington, a versatile stretch 4, provides on-ball defensive prowess. Jones Jr., acquired on a one-year veteran's minimum deal, emerged as a bargain three-and-D wing.

Harrison's low profile on Friday night is understandable given the fickle nature of the public and media. However, the impact of his additions is undeniable. They have kept the Mavericks' season alive, sending them to the same stage they reached under his predecessor.

At the start of the season, the Mavericks' success seemed as improbable as a 52.4 percent free-throw shooter executing three game-winning free throws flawlessly. But Harrison's masterstroke has made it a reality.