The Mavs big man is hoping to avoid “jinxing” himself by going after the Wilt Chamberlain record.

The Mavs big man is hoping to avoid “jinxing” himself by going after the Wilt Chamberlain record.

When Daniel Gafford’s Mavericks hosted the Warriors on Wednesday night, he needed to shoot 8 of 8 from the field to create history. In the end, the Mavs big man went five for five as Dallas defeated them 109-99.

Gafford currently needs two field goals to tie Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 35 straight field goals, which “The Big Dipper” established over a four-game stretch in February 1967. When the Mavs play in Oklahoma City on Thursday, if Gafford makes his first three shots, he will become the new record holder with 36 straight field goals.

Gafford’s last five games:

7/7 FG
5/5 FG
7/7 FG
9/9 FG
5/5 FG

He’s only two away from Wilt Chamberlain’s record of the most consecutive FGAs with 33 (!!!)—SO CLOSE TO HISTORY! added seven more blocks in tonight’s victory over GSW. Mavs have won four in a row.

Gafford’s record would be surpassed by Chamberlain by two games, but there’s no denying the enormity of his achievement. Gafford was questioned following the game on Wednesday about “ever going to miss a shot again” as he prepares for what could be a record-breaking night on Thursday.

“I’m not sure,” Gafford said to the press. “I won’t put myself under any stress [laughs]. My philosophy is to always be constant, as I say. Ultimately, simply enjoy yourself while playing the game.”

Daniel Gafford on his run of straight goals:

“I won’t curse myself, though.Just maintain consistency. Ultimately, simply enjoy yourself while playing the game.

Gafford claims that while he tries not to worry about it, he has occasionally become aware of the streak.

Kyrie Irving, the guard for the Mavericks, complimented guard Gafford for his amount of involvement as a screener, rebounder, and rim runner.

“Gafford has been amazing,” Irving remarked. “He’s making our jobs as point guards easier, just setting great screens and getting out early and putting pressure on the rim.”

In addition to his impressive play on defense, Gafford blocked seven shots in Dallas’ victory on Wednesday. Dallas has won four straight games as they continue their historic run. The Mavs (38-28) are attempting to finish with a top-six seed in order to avoid having to play in the playoffs, one year after missing out. At the moment, they trail the Kings (38-27) by barely half a game from achieving the perfect result.