Daniel Gafford

Intelligent teams are capable of hiding different holes and gaps in their defense; though, as the San Antonio Spurs learned on November 16, 2024, the ones that are of the 7-foot-4, Defensive Player of the Year runner-up kind are nearly impossible to. Busy poking holes in San Antonio’s talented-yet-shorthanded frontcourt throughout the evening, Gafford sets his search on a noteworthy example, using a post-up and sweeping dribble to power into the paint against Zach Collins. One step behind the restricted area — and yet, still believably within dunking range — Gafford elevates, thrashing both the rim and the Spurs’ rim protection hopes with a thunderous flush, followed by a well-earned flex. The Dallas Mavericks arrived on a four-game losing streak, and thus, plenty of motivation to perform with vigor. Gafford’s passionate play here helped kickstart an 11-1 stretch, vaulting Dallas into the Western Conference’s elites, standings-wise. Tied for the game-high in scoring (22 points on 9-of-10 shooting) in only 18 minutes of play, Gafford complemented the remarkably-efficient evening with seven rebounds, one steal, and three blocks.