By Dorothy J. Gentry
Sports Editor
Photos: Dorothy J. Gentry, Charles “City” Gbadebo
There was no place like home for the Dallas Mavericks who hosted the San Antonio Spurs Saturday night at the American Airlines Center.
The Mavs came into the game in the midst of a four-game losing streak. It was also City Edition Night as they Mavs debuted their new City uniforms and City Edition court. They pulled out the win, defeating the Spurs – who played without star center Victor Wembanyama – 110-93.
Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford scored 22 points apiece Zach Collins, Wembanyama’s replacement in the starting lineup, led the Spurs with a season-high 20 points. Julian Champagnie scored 13 points.
Gafford set a season high for points 22, and threw in 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 3 blocks.
“It feels good from the shots that were previously falling whenever I get around the basket,” Gafford said. “The main thing is just whenever the ball gets in my hands, have patience and figure out ways that I can score or help somebody else score.”
Gafford, who played 18 minutes, said he wanted to add some physicality to his game against the Spurs.
“I feel like I haven’t been doing that these first few games,” he said. “I felt like I’ve lacked in that area.
“So, being able to do something like that and just rebound a lot better is something that I’m trying to hold myself accountable for just to help the team out.”
Mavericks star Luka Doncic, sixth in the NBA coming in at 29.3 points per game, had 16 — one above his season low. He added six rebounds and six assists in a season-low 28 minutes.
The Mavs currently sit at #10 in the Western Conference with a 6-7 record.
