Entering an important road match against the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, Daniel Gafford had a shot at NBA history.
The five-year pro out of Arkansas was on a historic stretch, hitting 33 of his last 33 shots. It was two field goals away from tying Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 35 straight back in 1967.
Daniel Gafford is now three field goals away from breaking Wilt's record for consecutive field goals without a miss (35) 🔥😳 pic.twitter.com/iYDFtKG4SE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 14, 2024
Well, 32 seconds into the game, Gafford’s unbelievable streak ended.
The Mavericks’ big man missed for the first time in five games, failing to clean up a Donte Exum drive after getting the offensive rebound.
DANIEL GAFFORD MISSES A SHOT 😭
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 15, 2024
His streak of 33 consecutive FGs is the 2nd longest in league history behind Wilt Chamberlain's 35 pic.twitter.com/X1AHO08lRU
The Mavericks, playing without superstar Luka Doncic, eventually succumbed to the red-hot Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led-Thunder squad, 126-119.
With this, the NBA fans in social media went frenzy with an array of interesting comments regarding Gafford’s streak coming to a close.
“DANIEL GAFFORD NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO,” Atolani tweeted.
@Rojas_Trew4’s reaction is probably all the Mavericks fans who witnessed that Gafford miss, don’t you think?DANIEL GAFFORD NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
— ATOLANI (@AtolaniOyewumi) March 15, 2024
NO WAY GAFFORD STREAK JUST ENDED pic.twitter.com/k3u4EUN6Qk
— Ralph (@Rojas_Trew4) March 15, 2024
DJ Martinez summed up what all of the fans are probably feeling with some short,simple words.
“That’s a tough way to end it too…” he said.
However, some fans acknowledged Gafford’s improbable feat despite falling short.That’s a tough way to end it too…
— DJ Martinez (@DJMartinez06) March 15, 2024
Oh no, Daniel Gafford with a rare miss! Still a beast though! 🏀#historymakers.
— alexandra mendoza (@alexand99657674) March 15, 2024
A rebounding menace and vicious shot blocker, Gafford can still start a new streak. But at least, he has the second longest consecutive made field goal streak in the league.While the streak may have come to an end, its important to appreciate the resilience and skill it took to reach that legendary run.
Wilt's dominance is undeniable, but every streak tells a story of perseverance and excellence.
— Crypto Signals (@CryptoSignalsU) March 15, 2024
Overall, coming close to matching a Chamberlain stat is something not a lot of players can say they've done. And guess what, Gafford’s one of them.Daniel Gafford has made 33 shots in a row, 1 away from Wilt Chamberlains all-time record.
— MavsMuse (@MavsMuse) March 14, 2024
Here’s all 33.
pic.twitter.com/Hkso6y28DZ
