Say what you will about defense, passing, and “intangibles,” but the NBA is about scoring. The Dallas Mavericks, with Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Anthony Davis, boast three elite offensive players. Cooper Flagg should be the fourth.
However, none of them boast historical scoring efficiency. Even with the Hall of Famers lagging behind, the Mavericks have the two most efficient scorers, barring some statistical gymnastics.
In the NBA, the mark of a truly great scorer is being a member of the 50/40/90 Club. Shooting 50% from the floor, 40% from deep, and 90% from the free-throw line. Last year, only Aaron Nesmith made the cut, although his season was shortened with injury. The last player to do it in 65 or more games was Stephen Curry in his 2015-16 season.
If you only focus on pure field goal percentage and remove 3-pointers and free throws, however, the Mavericks boast two of the best.
GettyFORT WORTH, TEXAS – OCTOBER 06: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks participates in warmups prior to a preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickies Arena on October 06, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II Are Elite Scorers
Neither Daniel Gafford nor Dereck Lively’s scoring ability pops off the page. In eight combined seasons, they have only two double-digit scoring campaigns.
They don’t get many shots up, but when they do, chances are they’ll make them.
According to StatMuse, they are the only two players in NBA history to average over eight points a game while shooting 70% from the floor over their careers. Of course, neither has had a very long career, but it remains impressive.
Gafford has averaged 9.3 points per game on 70.9% shooting. Lively II is at 8.8 points while shooting 72.9%. The NBA’s career leader in field goal percentage (minimum ten seasons) is DeAndre Jordan, at 67.4%.
Current players like Robert Williams III and Mitchell Robinson both shoot over 70% from the floor, although neither of them has reached the arbitrary eight-point threshold.
As the Mavericks look to build a frontcourt around Davis and Flagg, having centers who can make the most out of limited opportunities will be key.
Dallas Mavericks Will Be Tested to Open the Season
Gafford and Lively II are incredibly efficient, especially near the rim. However, they will open their season on October 22nd against the San Antonio Spurs.
That means Victor Wembanyama will be in the paint.
In four career games against Wembanyama, Lively II has managed to hold his own, shooting an incredible 75% from the floor. Gafford has taken a slight step back, making 67.9% of his attempts.
Of course, Wembanyama is only getting better on defense, although he will have his hands full in the opener against Davis and Flagg, so Gafford and Lively should get plenty of easy looks, provided their teammates can get them the ball down low.
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