Kidd’s Center Strategy Takes Shape: Gafford Starts, Lively Energizes Bench in Mavericks Victory Over Spurs

Mavericks debut center rotation with Gafford starting, Lively off the bench, anchoring defense in season-opening win over Spurs. Kidd’s strategy highlights depth and flexibility.

Photo via Nick White

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks opened their 2024-25 regular season campaign with a 120-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs, with centers Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II anchoring a solid defensive performance. The duo helped limit rising superstar Victor Wembanyama to 17 points on 5-of-18 shooting, a significant factor in Dallas’ season-opening success.

Gafford, who started, contributed nine points, six rebounds, a block, and a steal in 19 minutes, setting a physical tone before foul trouble limited his time. The choice to start Gafford followed his strong preseason performance and history as a defensive anchor. Since joining Dallas, Gafford has a 32-12 record in starts across the regular season and playoffs, averaging 10.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks.

“But when you just talk about the two, Gaff and D Live, just understanding, those two push each other in practice, cheer for one another, and are the anchor of our defense,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said before the game. “It’s a beautiful thing to have.”