In the Dallas Mavericks’ season-opener on Thursday night, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford picked up where they left off last season.
The two centers combined for 24 points, 17 rebounds, eight assists and two steals as the Mavs upended the San Antonio Spurs, 120-109, at American Airlines Center. It was the type on one-punch the Mavs received from Lively and Gafford last season during their magnificent run to the NBA Finals.
“When you just talk about the two – Gaff and D-Live – just understanding those two push each other in practice, they cheer for one another (and) they are the anchor of our defense,” coach Jason Kidd said.