Daniel Gafford, the center for the Dallas Mavericks, missed two shots to tie Wilt Chamberlain’s
Daniel Gafford, a center for the Dallas Mavericks, had a chance to make history going into Thursday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was three baskets away from breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record of 35 straight made baskets.
Gafford’s first putback attempt just over 30 seconds into the game bounced off the hoop and hit off the backboard, ending that attempt to make history at 33 straight made baskets. Without Luka Doncic, Dallas finally failed as well, falling short at the Paycom Center against the Thunder 126-119
.Gafford is aiming to break Chamberlain’s 1967 record for the most consecutive shots made after his first attempt to do so came up short. Despite the fact that he didn’t quite make it, Gafford expressed his happiness in being recognized in the same sentence with one of the best centers in history.
“I’m smiling ear-to-ear on the inside because the simple fact is I had a chance to do it,” Gafford stated. “It’s not my only chance, I don’t know how many games we got left in this season, but I’m for sure going to try to do that before the regular season is over with, no doubt.”
Against Oklahoma City (46–20), Gafford recorded a double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds. This was also the Mavs’ (38-29) first game losing with Gafford in the starting lineup. Now that he is in the starting five, Dallas is 6-1.
Gafford leads the Mavericks with 11.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game through 15 games.
Although Gafford’s opportunity to become a basketball icon was lost, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd was extremely proud of the center’s contribution to the team since joining at the trade deadline.
“What he’s done and what he’s brought to this team, not [just] on the offensive end about the streak, but the streak is very impressive,” Kidd stated. “Not too many people are in that air when you’re talking about Wilt Chamberlain or someone similar. Being present and being recognized beside Wilt is really meaningful for Gafford, but he also plays a significant role in defense by being able to both rebound the ball and guard the rim.”
On Sunday at 2:30 p.m. CT, Dallas plays home to the Denver Nuggets (46-20) at the American Airlines Center, giving Gafford the opportunity to begin a new run of success.
