Gafford Introduces Himself to Mavericks' Crowd with Bang

Former Razorback player puts up 19 in debut, but not as good for Williams, Joe

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Daniel Gafford didn't have long to get settled his new team in Dallas. The Washington Wizards traded him on Thursday to the Mavericks and on Saturday the former Arkansas player was on the floor. He may not have needed long for any introductions.

Gafford scored 19 points (8 in a wild 47-point first quarter), grabbed 9 rebounds and threw in a blocked shot for good measure in a 146-111 blowout over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He out-played fellow former Razorbacks Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams. They had 6 points on a pair of 3-pointers by Joe.

It was Gafford who made the biggest impression. The Mavs picked up P.J. Washington along with Gafford just before the NBA trade deadline and it paid off quickly. Washington had 14 points. He also made an immediate impression on his new coach.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) grabs a rebound past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (1) during the second half at American Airlines Center in Dallas :: Kevin Jairaj / USA TODAY Sports

"They were great," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said later. "Offensively, defensively, they didn't seem nervous. They set a franchise record for 47 points in the first and I think let everyone know that everybody is comfortable and excited about having those two as a part of the team."

Gafford, a native of El Dorado, played a couple of years for Mike Anderson with the Razorbacks (2017-18 and 2018-19) before leaving for the NBA and was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. After playing in parts of three seasons there, he was traded to the Wizards and was there for parts of four seasons.

Even before he's had much of an opportunity to find a permanent place to live, he was on the floor for the Mavericks and he feels he 'fits the mold" finding a place with stars like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He already had a pretty good idea of what he would be playing with.

"Being on the opposite end, looking at these guys, when it comes to our pregame stuff and how to defend these guys and so on," Gafford said. "Seeing what they get throughout the game, playing against us, it just feels like I already know. Coming into the team, being in the right spot at the right time, doing the right things, setting the right screens, and just getting guys downhill."

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) looks to score as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) during the second half at American Airlines Center in Dallas :: Kevin Jairaj / USA TODAY Sports

What he found out playing with those guys is it opens up a lot of looks. Credit his study and preparation for having such a good idea how to fit in so quickly. Now he just has to continue it through the long NBA season.

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