Daniel Gafford joined elite firm on Monday with 31 factors on 12-of-15 capturing from the sphere in addition to an ideal 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, to associate with 15 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and 7 blocks.
What was historic about that efficiency?
The Dallas Mavericks heart joined Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Alonzo Mourning as the one gamers to file at the very least 30 factors, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks on 85 p.c true capturing.
Unsurprisingly, he additionally grew to become the primary participant in Mavs franchise historical past to hit these marks. The 31 factors additionally marked a career-high for the 26-year-old.
Regardless of the unimaginable efficiency, Dallas misplaced 110-105 to the Charlotte Hornets.
DANIEL GAFFORD POSTER. 😲
He’s going off in the present day… 27 factors (tying a profession excessive), 8 rebounds and 4 blocks!
📺 Mavs/Hornets on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/XHYQ0SBDLt
— NBA (@NBA) January 20, 2025
Stepping Up With out Energetic
Dereck Energetic has began nearly all of video games at heart for Dallas this season however has been out with a proper ankle sprain since Jan. 14.
On account of the absence, Gafford has stepped into the beginning lineup and averaged 22 factors, 11 rebounds, and three.7 blocks during the last three video games. He has additionally shot 26-for-31 (83.9 p.c) from the sphere in that span.
In 17 video games as a starter this season, Gafford has averaged 15.2 factors, 7.3 rebounds, and a couple of.1 blocks whereas capturing 73.3 p.c from the sphere.
DANIEL GAFFORD MET HIM AT THE RIM ❌pic.twitter.com/jZXEhosUVQ
— Mavs Nation (@MavsNationCP) January 20, 2025
Motivated By Commerce Rumors?
There was a report by Christian Clark of The Athletic just some days in the past that Gafford has been provided in commerce conversations in alternate for perimeter protection.
Gafford was himself acquired from the Washington Wizards by the Mavericks earlier than final 12 months’s commerce deadline in alternate for Richaun Holmes and draft compensation.
He grew to become a key piece within the Mavs’ defensive emergence and NBA Finals run that adopted.
Regardless of the case could also be, Gafford’s performances are offering a reminder to the Dallas entrance workplace of the affect he can have and it’d simply be sufficient to assume twice about truly transferring him.
