Daniel Gafford

As authors of history throughout their journey to the 2024 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks have left an unmistakable signature in two categories: come-from-behind victories and alley-oop finishes. In putting a vice grip on the Western Conference Finals, they turned to Daniel Gafford, in search of both at the same time. Adopting the energy of his fired-up home crowd, Gafford breaks into a full sprint, freeing his teammate with a screen-and-roll into the open floor. Mindful about remaining in his teammate’s line of sight with a pair of Minnesota Timberwolves defenders focused elsewhere, Gafford perfectly hides in plain sight, snagging a high-arching lob pass before powering in a one-handed throwdown. Game Three’s final minute belonged to Gafford, as he paired his alley-oop with a crowd-stirring rejection on the possession prior. Gafford helped Dallas remain true to its identity, as they added to their single-postseason NBA record for the most alley-oops since 2001, while also becoming history’s first team to command a 3-0 lead despite trailing in the final five minutes of all three games. Gafford added his contributions in the form of five points, three rebounds, three blocks, and a +10 plus-minus.