Mavericks Rookie Dereck Lively II Exits Game 3 After Taking Knee to Head
Mavericks center Dereck Lively II exited Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves after suffering a neck injury.
Dereck Lively II’s Accidental Injury
In the second quarter of Sunday night’s game, Lively took an inadvertent knee to the back of his head from Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns. The accidental contact caused Lively’s head to snap forward. The rookie from Duke stayed on the court holding his head and appeared dazed as he was helped off and taken to the locker room.
Report: Tests returned OK on Dereck Lively II’s neck but his availability for Game 4 remains unclear, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/cxxAueDuz1
— MFFL (@Mavs_FFL) May 27, 2024
The incident occurred as Mike Conley was driving for a missed shot and Towns was pursuing an offensive rebound.
No Immediate Update
Coach Jason Kidd did not have an update on Lively’s condition following Dallas’ 116-107 victory, which gave the Mavericks a 3-0 lead in the series. Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Dallas.
Lively, 20, has been instrumental in the Mavericks’ playoff run. He was perfect from the field in the series, going 12-for-12, including three makes in Game 3 before his injury. His absence was felt immediately on the court.
“He helps us so, so much in these playoffs and in the regular season,” star guard Luka Doncic said. “Obviously, we’re going to miss him if he can’t play.”
Depth Challenges
Dallas is already facing challenges in the frontcourt, with center-forward Maxi Kleber out due to a separated shoulder sustained in the second round. Lively’s injury further strained the Mavericks’ depth, pressing Dwight Powell into action. Powell, who had played less than 15 minutes in the postseason prior to Game 3, managed two points and two rebounds in eight minutes of play.
The Mavericks are now one win away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in 13 years. However, the potential absence of Lively could pose a significant challenge as they seek to close out the series. The team will look to other players to step up in Dereck Lively II’s absence and maintain their strong performance.
The injury to Dereck Lively II is a setback for the Mavericks, but they remain focused on their goal. As they prepare for Game 4, the team will need to rely on their depth and resilience to secure their place in the NBA Finals. Lively’s condition will be closely monitored, and his contributions will be missed if he is unable to return.
During a time out, Dereck Lively II was acknowledged for his All-Rookie Second Team honor. #Mavs pic.twitter.com/Qew8KeGbiJ
— Dorothy J. Gentry (@DorothyJGentry) May 27, 2024