Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford had a game to remember in the team's astonishingly close 137-136 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.

Gafford was perfect on the floor, finishing with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks, going a flawless 9-for-9 from the field. This was just the second time this season he hit 20+ points, and he became only the second active player, along with Rudy Gobert, to put up 22 points, 12 boards, and 4 blocks without missing a shot, according to StatMuse.

The Mavericks’ victory was a team effort, with P.J. Washington contributing 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. Kyrie Irving added 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Klay Thompson shot 6-of-11 from three to score 20 points. Despite the absence of Luka Doncic, the Mavericks shot a collective 53.9% from the field and hit 20-of-43 from 3-point range. The team also dominated the boards, finishing with a 58-37 rebound advantage.

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg reveals his favorite WNBA player’s gameAbdullah Imran ·
Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving talks with Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) after the game against the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center.
Wings’ Paige Bueckers reveals how Kyrie Irving inspired ‘unguardable’ motivationJoey Mistretta ·
Dallas Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg speaks to the media during a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility.
Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg makes first Dallas appearance at Wings-Fever clashRichard Pereira ·
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison (left) looks on with Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg (right) at a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility with Mavericks' Anthony Davis and Mavericks' Kyrie Irving in the background
Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg gets 100% real on playing with Anthony Davis, Kyrie IrvingJosue Pavon ·
Cooper Flagg in a Mavericks jersey and Paige Bueckers in a Wings jersey in front. In background, place the Duke basketball and UConn women's basketball logos.
Cooper Flagg responds to Paige Bueckers ‘giving him crap’ over Duke-UConn decisionJoey Mistretta ·
Nico Harrison doubles down on how Cooper Flagg addition will win back Mavericks fans' hearts
Nico Harrison doubles down on how Cooper Flagg addition will win back Mavericks fans’ heartsJulian Ojeda ·

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with New Orleans initially taking a 63-57 lead into halftime. The Pelicans were led by Trey Murphy III’s 32 points and Zion Williamson’s 29 points. Despite a late push by the Pelicans, which saw them cut the Mavericks’ lead to just three points with 15.9 seconds remaining, the Mavericks held firm. Spencer Dinwiddie’s free throw and timely three-pointers from Washington and Quentin Grimes helped Dallas maintain their slim lead in the closing moments.

Daniel Gafford’s presence defensively throughout the game was important, as his 4 blocks anchored the Mavericks' defense and helped them overcome 18 turnovers. Dallas went on a 12-2 run in the fourth quarter to build a 10-point lead, with Daniel Gafford contributing two three-point plays during that stretch. Washington’s clutch shooting, including a three-pointer with 2:48 left, helped keep New Orleans at bay.

With this win, the Mavericks are now the eighth-seeded team in the Western Conference with a record of 26-22 and have won three of their last four games. This victory was a bittersweet revenge as the Pelicans won the previous encounter this season 119-116 two weeks ago. The Mavericks will face the Denver Nuggets next as part of their five-game road trip.