Dallas Mavericks rookie center Dereck Lively II returned for the team's 124-103 Game 5 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals. He missed the previous contest with a neck sprain.
In 25 minutes, he recorded nine points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. The Mavericks qualified for the Finals with the victory and will face the Boston Celtics.
Lively suffered the injury during the Game 3 victory after Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns inadvertently made contact with his neck. Lively was helped off the floor.
The Mavericks center took another shot to the head in Game 5, with T-Wolves big man Naz Reid connecting with his elbow. The 20-year-old walked to the bench on his own and shot free throws after Reid was assessed a flagrant-1 foul.
Dereck Lively takes another shot to the head.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 31, 2024
Hope he is OK. 🙏
pic.twitter.com/oKtA39pro9
The Mavericks lost Game 4 at home Tuesday. Veteran big man Maxi Kleber made his return to the lineup, playing 13 minutes.
Lively, an All-Rookie second-team selection, is now averaging 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 16 postseason contests.
