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Anytime you can join Dirk Nowitzki in the Dallas Mavericks’ history books, it’s a good thing. And for Daniel Gafford, it’s just the latest historic feat for the 6-foot-10 center.
Gafford had 13 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and two steals in theMavs’ 115-105 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday at the Delta Center. With that performance, Gafford became the first player on the Mavericks to have at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and two steals in a game since Dirk Nowitzki did it on Nov. 3, 2009. The NBA Hall-of-Famer had 40 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and two steals in a 96-85 home win over the Jazz.
Gafford also set the Mavs record for consecutive baskets made earlier this month with 33 and was three shy of breaking the all-time record held by Wilt Chamberlain.
Among Gafford’s baskets was a clutch putback that gave the Mavs a 95-94 lead with 9:37 left in the fourth quarter and spurred a 16-2 run that let them pull away for good.
The Mavs center has proven to be one of the most impactful trade deadline acquisitions this season. Gafford has averaged 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in his 19 games with Dallas. In his 11 games as a starter, the Mavs are 10-1, and he has averaged 14.7 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game and is shooting 80.7 percent from the field, according to StatMuse.
In his last 10 games, Gafford is averaging 15.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.
When the Mavs acquired Gafford at the trade deadline, it was with hopes that he’d be another viable option outside of rookie center Dereck Lively II. Gafford has been that and then some, as he has become a focal point on both sides of the court for a Mavs team with their sights set on the playoffs.
