Dallas Mavericks Starter Goes At OKC Thunder's Chet Holmgren in Recent Workout

Holmgren still is having trouble dealing with the Mavericks

May 11, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) controls the ball as Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) defends during the first quarter during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder on their way to the NBA Finals, dispatching the young squad in six games in the Western Conference Semifinals. Now that the offseason is here, players are back in the gym and working on their games.

Recently, Mavericks' Daniel Gafford participated in an open run against the Thunder's Chet Holmgren, a matchup we saw a lot in that second-round series. Gafford showcased a few fancy moves, including a three-point shot, which you can view below.

Daniel Gafford was going crazy at Dashletics NBA Open Run 🔥 @proactivesp @NBA #NBAFitness pic.twitter.com/xLbQWY9G5f

— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) August 4, 2024

READ MORE: Former Dallas Mavericks Guard Ends Retirement, Signs With French Club

Gafford has only attempted one three-pointer in his career and that came during the 2021-22 season. The Mavericks have been working with young center Dereck Lively II on his three-point shot, resulting in a made corner triple against the Celtics in The Finals, but Gafford hasn't had the same focus there. Whether he can transition that to the NBA will be intriguing for the Mavs.

The Mavericks traded for Gafford at last season's trade deadline in exchange for Richaun Holmes, who was re-signed by the Washington Wizards this offseason, and a 2024 first-round pick. That pick would become Dillon Jones from Weber State, who went 26th overall.

Gafford spent time in the Dallas area having grown up in Arkansas and was a natural fit with the Mavs, including a streak of 33 straight made field goals, second only to Wilt Chamberlain in NBA history. He also led the NBA in field goal percentage last season.

After the trade, Gafford started 21 of the 29 regular season games and all 22 games in the playoffs. He may move back to the bench next season for Lively, but will still feature a prominent role on the team.

Holmgren mostly struggled in the Mavs' series, averaging 15.8 PPG and 6.2 RPG while shooting 22.2% from three. His lack of size was noticeable on the glass, which was a big reason why OKC signed Isaiah Hartenstein this offseason. It was still a solid playoff debut for the second-year forward from Gonzaga, but he may be asked to play out of position in the coming seasons.

READ MORE: Dallas Mavericks Officially Announce Return of Former Lakers Guard Spencer Dinwiddie

Stick with MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the NBA Offseason

Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter

More Dallas Mavericks News

• Dallas Mavericks Acquire Warriors' Klay Thompson In Complicated Six Team Sign-and-Trade

• Dallas Mavericks Announce Signing of New Orleans Pelicans Forward Naji Marshall

• Dallas Mavericks Use Final Roster Spot On Familiar Guard From LA Lakers

• Warriors' Draymond Green is 'Happy As Hell' With Klay Thompson Signing With Mavericks