The pursuit of NBA records often goes unnoticed amidst the regular flow of basketball games, but Daniel Gafford’s recent performance brought attention to the brink of history. Gafford, a key player for the Dallas Mavericks, nearly surpassed Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary record for consecutive made field goals, highlighting his exceptional scoring efficiency.
Chamberlain’s record of 35 consecutive field goals, set back in 1967, has stood the test of time as a remarkable achievement. Gafford’s remarkable streak came to an end after making 33 consecutive shots across five games, with his first miss occurring in the Mavericks’ matchup against the Thunder.
DANIEL GAFFORD MISSES A SHOT ðŸ˜
His streak of 33 consecutive FGs is the 2nd longest in league history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 35 pic.twitter.com/X1AHO08lRU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 15, 2024
Gafford’s unique ability to challenge Chamberlain’s record stemmed from his strategic approach to shot selection. Unlike jump shooters, Gafford primarily operates within the paint, with the majority of his attempts originating from the restricted area. His remarkable field-goal percentage reflects this precision, positioning him as a potential record-holder in NBA history.
With a career field-goal percentage of 70.6%, Gafford exhibits exceptional accuracy in finishing at the rim. His partnership with playmakers like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving enhances his scoring opportunities, with nearly all of Gafford’s baskets being assisted by his teammates.
Daniel Gafford has made 33 shots in a row, 1 away from Wilt Chamberlains all-time record.
Here’s all 33.
pic.twitter.com/Hkso6y28DZ— MavsMuse (@MavsMuse) March 14, 2024
In Dallas, Gafford’s role revolves around executing high-percentage plays near the rim, whether through lobs, rolls, or offensive rebounds. His consistency and determination to convert every opportunity into points have propelled his success on the court.
Despite falling short of Chamberlain’s record, Daniel Gafford’s near-miss highlights his emergence as one of the NBA’s most efficient scorers. His strategic shot selection and relentless pursuit of perfection have positioned him as a formidable force in the league, bridging the gap between past legends and present-day excellence.
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