Tragedy strikes the Mavs! They headed into tonight’s Thunder clash, hoping to end their two-game losing streak. And they were doing a solid job matching up against the best team in the West. However, things quickly went south when Daniel Gafford was forced to leave the game due to a scary collision.

The incident occurred midway through the second quarter. With the ball in Olivier-Maxence Prosper’s hands, Gafford decided to post up inside the paint and call for a pass. But he got tangled up with OKC defender Branden Carlson and lost his footing, leading to the Mavs star falling face-first on the hardwood. Unfortunately, Cason Wallace was backpedaling to the paint at the same time and accidentally kicked Gafford in the head, as he too tumbled to the ground.

In a scary sight, the Mavs Center lay motionless on the floor for several minutes, and it looked like he was calling for a staff member to check on him. Fortunately, he was able to sit back up after some time, but was forced to check out of the game. Sure enough, he headed straight to the locker room to assess the issue. Adding to the concerns, he did not sub back in for the rest of the quarter.

Obviously, Gafford getting injured would be a massive blow to the team because he is having a career year, averaging 12.2 points and over six rebounds. Moreover, the Dallas franchise cannot afford another setback because they are already dealing with the absence of Luka Doncic, who is out with a calf strain.

Apart from the Slovenian Sensation, Klay Thompson is also unavailable due to ankle issues. And the list goes on. Fortunately, the Gafford scare did not last too long!

Daniel Gafford gives a major boost after Jason Kidd was forced to make a surprising decision due to injury woes

With Gafford out following the injury scare, Kidd had no option but to sub in Markieff Morris. Surprisingly, this was the first time Morris has checked into a game in the first half this season. Obviously, the decision was necessary because the head coach had no other option. Well, their two star bigs Dereck Lively II and Dwight Powell are already out with injuries. And Maxi Kleber is on a twenty-minute restriction. So, Morris was the only available replacement.

Thankfully, that did not last long because Gafford provided a major sigh of relief when he returned to the bench, ready to play. Sure enough, he checked back into the game in the second half. Before the injury scare, he left with six points and two rebounds. However, he scored six quick points after returning to the floor, helping the Mavs gain a comfortable lead in the third quarter. Surely, Dallas fans would be thanking their stars that Gafford’s injury was not serious, and that he was able to play again.