Mavs Film Study: Daniel Gafford Shows Major Value in Debut vs. Thunder
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks received a strong impact from Daniel Gafford in his debut with the team, helping lead a 146-111 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, and one block in 17 minutes off the bench.
"It felt amazing. I am pretty sure P.J. [Washington Jr.] felt great also because [with] being back home, and me being so close to him. In all honesty, it felt like I got drafted by this team. It felt good stepping on the court and hearing the crowd and the cheers really fueled the energy I had throughout the game."
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Gafford provided needed energy on the boards, protected the paint, rim rolled, and sprinted the floor in transition for scoring chances. He highlighted how helpful it is to play alongside talents like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as he adjusts to the team.
"Playing with guys like Luka and Kyrie and all the other guys that were on the floor, it just felt like I was already part of the mold," Gafford said. "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.
"Seeing what they get throughout the game, playing against us, it just feels like I already know," Gafford explained. "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.”
Watch the in-depth breakdown of Gafford's performance on my YouTube channel. You can check out the Mavs' press availabilities, and other content can be viewed there throughout the season.
The Mavs return to action when they face the Washington Wizards on Monday night, the first matchup Gafford will have against his former team since being moved before the trade deadline.
