Dereck Lively, the Mavericks’ rookie center, left Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday night with what the team described as a neck strain.
Dereck Lively II (neck sprain) is questionable to return to tonight's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) May 27, 2024
Lively was hurt in the second quarter after he tumbled backward in the lane and was accidentally kneed in the head by Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns.
Lively’s head snapped forward on hit. According to the Associated Press, he was down on the court for several minutes before being carried to the locker room, looking bewildered. While many people assumed Lively had sustained a concussion, the club did not immediately release any test findings.
Lively has been a significant factor in the postseason. He made all three field goal attempts and had three rebounds in Game 3 before to the injury. Lively has made 13 field-goal attempts in the series. He recorded 14 points and nine rebounds in Game 2.
Lively recorded double-doubles in the final two games of the conference semifinals against the Thunder. He was averaging 8.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 22.4 minutes in 14 postseason games heading into Sunday’s game.
With Dallas up 3-0 in the series, the Mavs can afford to be cautious with Lively, even if he does not undergo the concussion protocol.
If he is forced to miss any games, the Mavericks will have to rely on Daniel Gafford, Dwight Powell, and smaller lineups to fill the gaps.
