Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford enjoyed a big game on Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Mavericks, as The Athletic reported earlier this month, have expressed interest in conversations with rival teams about acquiring an impact perimeter defender. Dallas, according to

It was a short-handed Southwestern Division matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans, as Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones were among the key players out on both sides.

Gafford is under contract for one season beyond 2024/25, with a $14.4MM guaranteed salary for ’25/26. He’s currently back in the Mavs’ starting lineup while Lively recovers a right ankle sprain, which will sideline him again on Friday vs. Oklahoma City.

Dejounte Murray scored 30 points, Trey Murphy III blocked Spencer Dinwiddie’s layup for the lead with 4 seconds left and the New Orleans Pelicans outlasted the injury-depleted Dallas Mavericks 119-116.

But this was one of those eyebrow-raising moments that gives even more credence to the belief that referees should be fined for missed calls or poor judgment. New Orleans had the ball with around 15 seconds on the clock and a one-point lead.

Dejounte Murray lit the Mavericks up for 30 points, and Trey Murphy III wasn't far behind with 24. Neither was entirely efficient from the floor, but they made enough shots to sink the Mavs. Dallas' starters just weren't good enough, which is where we'll start our three takeaways.

The NBA's two-minute report won't help the Mavericks fans' belief that they were robbed of a win on Wednesday.

The Dallas Mavericks played the second game of back-to-back games against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night. The Mavericks lost to the Pelicans 119-116.

Dejounte Murray scored 30 points, Trey Murphy III added 24 and a game-saving blocked shot and the host New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 119-116 on Wednesday night.

Luka Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks (22-18) take to the road to square off against the New Orleans Pelicans (9-32) at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, January 15. The tip is at 8:00 PM ET.Last

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