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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