DALLAS — Derek Lively II practiced with the Dallas Mavericks all week in preparation for Sunday’s Game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
After Friday’s practice, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd told reporters that Lively had a positive outlook on playing Sunday.
“He was good today,” Kidd said of Lively. “We’ll see tomorrow, but everything is going in the right direction. He’s had a great performance in the second unit and he’s ready to go.”
March 11, 2024. Chicago, Illinois, USA.Dallas Mavericks center Derek Lively II (2) scores vs.
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Lively played in 55 games this season, averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. He continues to play a key role as one of the Mavericks’ rim protectors and finishers on interior plays.
With Daniel Gafford and Lively as a dynamic duo at center, the Mavericks have a strong one-two punch at the position. Derrick Jones Jr., the team’s standout wing defender, praised the depth at center, noting that there was no noticeable drop in play when one player replaced the other.
“In the case of Gaff and D-Live, one starts and one comes off the bench. There’s no downtime, one goes out, one comes back, and there’s no gap. They’re almost the same people.” Jones said. One is stronger and has a little more experience, but he learned a lot this year and did a great job with D Live. ”
Coach Gafford praised Lively’s ability to enter the game and immediately fill gaps in the paint on both ends. This is a luxury that many teams don’t boast about. That’s because while the Mavericks have Maxi Kleber as a small-ball center option, he’s consistently isolated while showing a decline in shot blocking and overall talent.
“Honestly, this means a lot because when one person falls down, the next one gets back up,” Gafford said. “I would say that when it comes to fouls and injuries and things like that. It’s just like a one-two punch. So if you get a foul early on, you know you’ve got the next guy coming.” and resumes approximately where it left off. ”
Getting Lively back on the court as soon as possible would be advantageous for his future, as it would allow him to make the most of the rookie’s first experience in NBA postseason basketball.
