Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Excellent two-way play

Gafford finished Monday's 130-108 victory over the Wizards with 18 points (8-13 FG, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and five blocks over 24 minutes.

Gafford has been making the most of the minutes he's earning in a depleted Mavericks frontcourt, and he's proving to be a reliable presence on both ends of the court for Dallas. Since moving to a starting role Jan. 15 during a 119-116 loss to the Pelicans seven games ago, Gafford is averaging 18.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.3 blocks and 2.3 assists per game. With Dereck Lively (ankle) and Maxi Kleber (foot) out for at least a couple of months, Gafford should continue starting for the Mavericks.