Heartbreak For Mavs’ Daniel Gafford As Astonishing Wilt Chamberlain Chase Ends

The Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford blew a historical record by a whisker. The 25-year-old new Mavs center went on a hot streak to drop 33 consecutive field goals in the last five games. This form catapulted him onto a track to chase a glorious NBA history. Legend Wilt Chamberlain has had the longest streak of field goals (35). Gafford entered tonight’s game against the OKC Thunder with only three field goals away from breaking the record.

Unfortunately, he blew the chance in the opening minute of the game. In the attempt to put back his teammate Dante Exum’s failed attempt, he also missed the bucket. Immediately after the missed FG, the Mavs bench buried their face in disappointment. And the game’s announcer also went on to notify that Gafford’s lost record in dismay. Chamberlain made those 35 buckets between February 15, 1967 and February 28, 1967.

The Mavs had roped in a couple of big men ahead of the trade deadline. The team’s superstar Luka Doncic even expressed his excitement to assemble big men in to the roster. Along with Gafford, they also traded in P. J. Washington as the backup centers for the side. After the trade, Gafford worked his way to the starting line-up and went on a historic run.

After dropping the 33rd consecutive bucket, all eyes were on him. Speaking after the Warriors game, he said, “I try to tell myself to not worry about it (Record). If I do it, that’s good and I’m going to celebrate it,” in the post-game press conference. Unfortunately, the big man couldn’t surpass the magical number. Nevertheless, the Mavs’ big-man union has been a great success for the team lately.

The Mavericks big man trio – Gafford, Washington & Lively III

Luka Doncic considered the trade as the missing piece of the Mavs. Speaking of their addition, the Slovenian star said, “I think we’ve got two really good players. We added some size to our team. We add a backup center… I think both players really going to help us out a lot.”

In fact, the addition has made a huge shift in the Mavs’ progress past the deadline. The Mavs are in a 6-0 run whenever Gafford was in the starting line-up In their last game against Stephen Curry-less Warriors, the big men trio Washington, Gafford, and Dereck Lively II completely exploited the opponents’ disadvantage, the lack of size.

Tonight, the trio has an important task at hand, which is to help the team win against the table toppers. The Thunder’s center, Chet Holmgren, could be a threat. Nevertheless, they can turn the tide around.

What do you make of Daniel Gafford’s missed opportunity? Let us know in the comments.

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