Mavs Rookie Dereck Lively II Ruled Out of Game 3 After Knee Injury
Mavs Rookie Lively II Exits Game 3 After Taking Knee to Head
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II was ruled out of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals after sustaining a knee injury against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. Lively II exited the game in the third quarter after taking a knee to the head from Timberwolves center Naz Reid.
No Update from Coach Kidd
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd did not have an update on Lively II's condition after the game. The team announced that Lively II will undergo further evaluation on Monday. Kidd said that Lively II was "in good spirits" after the game and that the team is "hoping for the best."
Significant Blow to Mavs
Lively II's injury is a significant blow to the Mavericks, who are already without starting center Dwight Powell. Lively II has been a key contributor for Dallas in the playoffs, averaging 8.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. He has also been one of the team's most effective defenders, particularly against opposing centers.
Playoff Success
Despite his rookie status, Lively II has been a consistent performer for Dallas throughout the playoffs. He averaged 8.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game in the first two rounds of the playoffs, and he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Game 3 Loss
The Mavericks lost Game 3 to the Timberwolves 116-107. Dallas now trails 2-1 in the series, with Game 4 scheduled for Tuesday night in Minneapolis.
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