Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Misses out on double-double
Rotowire
Gafford amassed 11 points (3-3 FG, 5-6 FT), nine rebounds and one block across 20 minutes during Thursday's 124-103 win over the Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.
With the return of Dereck Lively, Gafford saw his playing time decrease from 31 minutes in Game 4 to 20 in Game 5. Regardless, Gafford was able to maintain his productivity, recording at least one block for the 11th straight contest. The 24-year-old big averaged 10.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in 24.4 minutes across the five games in the Western Conference Finals.
Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Swats five shots in win
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Gafford amassed 16 points (8-10 FG, 0-2 FT), five rebounds and five blocks over 21 minutes during Friday's 109-108 win over the Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.
Gafford was nearly perfect from the field and made his presence felt defensively, recording three or more blocks for the third time across his last eight playoff contests and tying his postseason-best mark in that category. Gafford's two-way play has been massive for Dallas against a frontcourt loaded with size. He's averaging 11.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game over his last five contests.
Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Close to double-double in win
Rotowire
Gafford accumulated 10 points (5-9 FG), nine rebounds and one block across 21 minutes during Wednesday's 108-105 win over Minnesota in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Gafford has been rotating at center with Dereck Lively, but the former Wizards big man continues to deliver every time he's called upon duty. He's scored in double digits in six of his last eight playoff contests, a span in which he's averaging 11.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. It's only one game, but he looked quite good despite dealing with the presence and threat of Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns throughout the contest.
Gafford (shoulder) has returned for the second half of Saturday's Game 3 against the Thunder, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.
Gafford briefly went to the locker room in the second quarter grabbing at his left shoulder but was able to take the floor for the second half. If he's restricted due to the injury, Dereck Lively would be next in line for minutes.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Heads to locker room
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Gafford exited in the second quarter of Game 3 against Oklahoma City on Saturday with a left shoulder injury, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.
An injury to Gafford could be devastating for the Mavericks, as he's been a solid contributor down low for Dallas. If he's unable to return, then Dereck Lively would be in line for a bigger role.
Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Strong performance in loss
Rotowire
Gafford totaled 16 points (5-12 FG, 6-8 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist and five blocks across 27 minutes during Tuesday's 117-95 loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Gafford recorded a double-double in the loss, adding five blocks. It was arguably his best performance of the postseason and something the Mavericks are going to need more of should they hope to advance to the Conference Finals. Despite the loss, the scoreline does not reflect that the Mavericks kept this close for three quarters.
Gafford (back) is available for Friday's Game 3 against the Clippers.
Gafford has been upgraded from questionable to available Friday despite dealing with back spasms. Gafford should start at center for the third straight game to begin the series.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Present at shootaround
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Gafford (back) was on the court and walking around during shootaround ahead of Friday's Game 3 versus the Clippers, Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Gafford is officially listed as questionable Friday due to back spasms. The 24-year-old big man's availability will likely be determined shortly before tipoff at 8 pm ET.
