Mavericks lose Daniel Gafford to knee injury early in loss to. Kings in latest blow since Luka Dončić trade
The Dallas Mavericks are dealing with yet another injury.
Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford had to be helped off the court on Monday night in their 129-128 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings after his right knee buckled while he tried to set a screen. Gafford crashed down to the court at the American Airlines Arena and immediately reached for his knee, clearly in a lot of pain.
Gafford was eventually helped off the floor, and didn't put any weight on his leg as he did so. The team ruled him out with a knee sprain before halftime.
BREAKING: Daniel Gafford went down with an apparent knee injury after the play. If he is out for some time, Dallas will be without their star center trio of Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II & Daniel Gafford. Get well soon, Gafford! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/MHPGpermu0
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) February 11, 2025
Tough sight for Mavs, Gafford being helped off the court, can't put weight on his leg.Gafford's right leg buckled as he went to set a screen. He grabbed his right knee in obvious pain. pic.twitter.com/4nVar4Z6bn
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) February 11, 2025
While further specifics on Gafford's injury are not yet known, it marks the latest that the team is dealing with at the position. The Mavericks' other three big men — Anthony Davis, Derek Lively and Dwight Powell — are all out with respective injuries, too.
Davis went down with an adductor injury in his debut with the team on Saturday after the stunning blockbuster trade that landed him in Dallas in exchange for star Luka Dončić ahead of the deadline. He is expected to miss multiple weeks recovering. Lively is dealing with an ankle injury, and Powell is out with a hip injury.
Gafford, who is in his second season with the Mavericks, entered Monday's game averaging 12.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest. The 26-year-old is in the second year of a three-year, $40 million deal he first signed with the Washington Wizards.
The Mavericks entered Monday's game coming off back-to-back wins. Fans, however, are still incredibly frustrated with general manager Nico Harrison — who has faced massive protests outside of the arena after his decision to trade Dončić earlier this month.
During the Mavs Karaoke Cam a fan looked like he mouthed 'FIRE NICO' and they quickly pulled out. This was the first time fans have been shown on the video board since The Trade. pic.twitter.com/WzMQQzyd4L
— Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) February 11, 2025
The fan who mouthed 'fire nico' to the jumbotron has been escorted out of AAC. To raucous booing. pic.twitter.com/QE7eJxS7gH
— RJ Coyle (@coylio33) February 11, 2025
Mavs staff confiscating 'Fire Nico' signs a few moments ago…and then security came made them leave. @GrantAfseth pic.twitter.com/qOKYraMNuu
— Sara Paa (@sarajpaa) February 11, 2025
The Mavericks blew a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, and DeMar DeRozan drilled a bucket with about three seconds left to force overtime. They then lost in the extra period after DeRozan hit a 13-footer in the final seconds, which gave Sacramento the one-point win.
DeRozan led Sacramento with 42 points and seven rebounds in the loss, which moved the Kings to 27-26 on the season. Zach LaVine and Malik Monk each added 17 points, and Domantas Sabonis finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds.
Kyrie Irving led Dallas with 30 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the loss. Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 20 points off the bench, and Klay Thompson added 19 points on five 3-pointers. The loss snapped a two-game win streak for Dallas, which now sits at 28-26 on the year.
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