FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas will be well-represented in the 2024 NBA Finals, with two former Razorbacks going toe-to-toe for a chance at lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy.
On Thursday, former Hog center Daniel Gafford and the Dallas Mavericks dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals with a 124-103 victory, setting up a seven-game series against the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics for the NBA title.
Gafford, an El Dorado native who played two seasons at Arkansas from 2017-19, has started in all 17 playoff games and is averaging 9.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. His ability to finish at the rim and protect the paint has provided a tremendous spark for the fifth-seeded Mavericks, who are making their third NBA finals appearance in team history.
A 2019 AP All-America honorable mention, Gafford shined as a Razorback with a career field goal percentage of .635, the second-best in school history. Additionally, Gafford's 141 career blocks rank sixth in Arkansas's record book.
After two seasons of playing under head coach Mike Anderson, Gafford declared for the draft and was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the second round with the No. 38 overall pick.
Another former Razorback, Boston rookie forward Jordan Walsh, will stand on the opposing sideline as the Celtics eye their 18th NBA championship, which would be the most among any team.
Walsh, a second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, played one season at Arkansas under former head coach Eric Musselman. Given Boston's championship-quality roster, Walsh hasn't seen much playing time this season. Still, the former Razorback has seen action, appearing in nine games and averaging 1.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in 9.2 minutes per contest.
Gafford and the Mavericks will face Walsh and the Celtics in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 6. Coverage from TD Garden in Boston begins at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.