Daniel Gafford helps Mavericks break four-game skid
Daniel Gafford showed brilliance on both sides of the floor to lead the Dallas Mavericks win over the San Antonio Spurs, 110-93, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Gafford poured in a season-high 22 points on 9-of-10 shooting off the bench, together with seven rebounds including three crucial offensive boards, three blocks, an assist, and a steal to help the Mavs break a four-game losing skid.
After the win, Dallas improved its record to 6-7.
“It feels good from the shots that were previously falling whenever I get around the basket,” Gafford said. “The main thing is just whenever (the ball) gets in my hands, have patience and figure out ways that I can score or help somebody else score.”
Gafford only played 18 minutes but had a +13 when he's in the floor and explained that he simply wanted to add some physicality to his game against the Spurs.
“I feel like I haven’t been doing that these first few games. I felt like I’ve lacked in that area."
“So, being able to do something like that and just rebound a lot better is something that I’m trying to hold myself accountable for just to help the team out.”
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said that the performance by Gafford was great on both ends of the floor as it changed the pace of the game.
“I thought he was great on both ends — defense and offense,” Kidd said. “His ability to change high screens on the ball, and offensively we played through him in the post and he delivered. I thought he was really, really good.”
“I thought his energy, too, was high for us the whole game. Again, we need that, especially coming off the bench.”
During one stretch in the third quarter when the Mavs were separating themselves from the Spurs, Gafford scored eight consecutive points, including throwing down a power dunk over Zach Collins.
“He barely misses,” Luka Dončić said of Gafford. “He was everywhere on the court – offense, defense, on the glass. So, that’s what we need from him every game.”
Gafford pointed out that the Mavs went through him during several offensive sequences.
“I just feel like I can build on it,” he said. “Just really just having patience.”
“I appreciate them for having the faith in me and putting me in that position, and I feel like I actually got the job done there.”
Dallas will next face the New Orleans Pelicans at home on Tuesday, November 19.
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The East Asia Super League (EASL) is officially set to raise the curtain on its new season with a twin opening in Taipei and Tokyo on October 8, 2025 — a move that reflects the league’s expanding reach and growing stature as Asia’s premier basketball competition.
All eyes in Taiwan will be on the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, which will host a blockbuster doubleheader featuring some of the region’s most decorated clubs.
The action tips off with a clash between the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex and the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves. Utsunomiya, led by veteran guard Makoto Hiejima, entered as one of Japan’s most successful franchises. The Braves, meanwhile, look to prove their resilience after falling short in a grueling seven-game finals series last season, banking on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.
The second game of the night brings a rematch between the P. LEAGUE+ champions Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings. Their last encounter came in the 2025 EASL Final Four semifinals, where Taoyuan stunned Ryukyu, 71–64. This time, the Golden Kings are eager for redemption, while the Pilots hope to reaffirm their place among Asia’s elite.
Game schedule (HKT):
- Utsunomiya vs. Taipei Fubon – 6:30 PM
- Taoyuan vs. Ryukyu – 8:30 PM
China came within a single basket of toppling Oceania powerhouse Australia in the FIBA Asia Cup final, bowing 90-89 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but sending a clear message that it remains a force in Asian basketball.
The Chinese squad, bannered by Hu Mingxuan and Hu Jinqiu, led by as many as 15 points through three quarters before faltering in the final minutes against the defending champions. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the performance was a reminder of China’s proud basketball heritage and its potential return to continental supremacy.
Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after triumphing over host nation Saudi Arabia in a tense 95-88 overtime victory on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12 in Manila) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Justin Brownlee once again showed his ‘Never Say Die’ attitude after drilling a contested three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left to force the extra period. He went on to finish with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds, paving the way for a quarterfinal showdown with two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, August 13.
Brownlee’s heroics set the stage for Kevin Quiambao, who buried two triples in OT to complete a 17-point performance alongside three dimes and three deflections.
"It was a special game, it was a special performance from both teams," said head coach Tim Cone. "They (Saudi Arabia) posed a lot of problems for us, and by all rights, they had the game won — except for the guy sitting to my right (Brownlee). If you know his history, that’s not unusual. He’s been hitting big shots."
AJ Edu anchored the middle with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Dwight Ramos chipped in 13 markers, 10 boards, three dimes, and a rejection.
Beyond Brownlee’s late-game magic, the Philippines secured the win by neutralizing Saudi Arabia’s high-scoring duo of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem in the extra frame.
Abdur-Rahkman erupted for 33 points on 8-of-14 shooting from deep, while Alsuwailem tallied 26 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks — but the two combined for only five points in OT as Gilas closed the door on the hosts’ upset bid.
The Scores:
Philippines 95 – Brownlee 29, Edu 17, Quiambao 17, Ramos 13, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 5, Thompson 4, Newsome 4, Malonzo 0, Perez 0, Aguilar 0.
Saudi Arabia 88 – Abdur-Rahkman 33, Alsuwailem 26, Almuwallad 10, Abdel Gabar 8, Ma. Almarwani 4, Belal 3, Kadi 3, Mo. Almarwani 1, Shubayli 0.
Quarters: 25-15, 40-37, 60-59, 79-79 (reg.), 95-88 (OT).