Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Limited minutes in Game 5 loss
Rotowire
Gafford recorded six points (3-5 FG) and three rebounds in 11 minutes during Monday's 106-88 loss to the Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Gafford was efficient in his limited playing time in the Mavericks' Game 5 loss. However, the 25-year-old did see a massive decline in minutes in the Finals, during which he averaged 8.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.6 blocks across only 14.8 minutes. In comparison, during the final two Western Conference playoff series, Gafford averaged 10.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while shooting 67.1 percent from the field. The big man was a crucial addition for Dallas at the trade deadline, and he will remain under contract with the team until 2026-27, as the Mavericks will attempt to make it back to the Finals with their core group next season.
Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Close to double-double in loss
Rotowire
Gafford amassed 13 points (6-9 FG, 1-4 FT), nine rebounds and one block across 23 minutes during Sunday's 105-98 loss to the Celtics in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
Gafford was efficient from the field and finished just one rebound shy of a double-double, but he had problems dealing with Kristaps Porzingis once again. The fact that the Celtics' big men can play on the perimeter has limited Gafford's defensive influence. Gafford has now posted at least eight rebounds in three of his last four playoff appearances.
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.
