Dallas' rookie has been continually impactful throughout the postseason, and he's taken advantage of the opportunity.
In a Game 3 full of anticipation and pressure, the Dallas Mavericks claimed their second win in a row against the Oklahoma City Thunder to take a 2-1 lead in the series -- shooting lights out and limiting one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the league.
Behind impressive defensive stands in the past two outings, Dereck Lively II has continued to play a large hand in the action as he builds invaluable experience as just a rookie. As a reserve, Lively's defensive impact is one that is hard to curb with his measurables, timing and antipatory instincts. His formula allows for Jason Kidd to put him on the floor with trust that he'll be a rim deterrent and lob threat to bolster his backcourt.
And though he hasn't had the flashiest stat lines throughout the series as a scorer, a 12-point outing on 2-of-7 from the field with eight boards was enough offensive production to steer Dallas to a 105-101 victory on Saturday. But his impact on the other end of the floor is where he makes his money, especially so far in this series matching up against Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams. His interior presence affects all three levels and the Thunder's decision-making, as it's helped suppress Oklahoma City to just 33.3% from three in their two wins. Dallas has found a recipe to fluster the Thunder offense, and the rookie has been a strong cog in the machine.
Taking care of their first home game in the series, Dallas and Lively will be in fantastic shape if they're able to pull out Game 4 on Monday.Nathan is a senior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Public Relations set to graduate in May 2024. He holds experience covering multiple sports, primarily basketball, at the high school and collegiate level.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II had a playoff debut after his mother’s deathLively’s mother Kathy Drysdale died on April 12, Lively had been away from the team in order to care for her,
Read more »
Dallas Mavericks' Dereck Lively II Anchoring Improved Defense Against ClippersThe Dallas Mavericks center has been a force at the rim against the LA Clippers during the first round
Read more »
Dereck Lively II Hitting Heavy in Second Unit, Mavericks Eyeing AdvancementThe Dallas rookie has continued to provide quality play in his time on the floor off the bench, as the Mavericks are one step closer to advancing to the next round.
Read more »
Dallas Mavericks' Dereck Lively II Punished Thunder's 'Disrespect' at Free Throw LineDallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II was intentionally fouled frequently in clutch time before helping ice a Game 3 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Read more »
Dereck Lively II on big free throws vs. OKC: ‘I know my momma got me’When Oklahoma City purposely fouled him twice in a span of 21 seconds, Dereck Lively II made four big free-throws, leaned on the words of his mom, Kathy, one...
Read more »
What’s in store for Mavericks in second round matchup versus Oklahoma CityDereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford and Jason Kidd talked to the media before the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs.
Read more »