Mavericks Provide Positive News Regarding Dereck Lively II
During Tuesday's emotional contest between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors, a shot of euphoria hit the former team's fan base. After missing four games due to a sprained shoulder, Dereck Lively II made a grand return at Chase Center against the surging Warriors.
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Although the Mavs listed Lively as questionable on the injury report, it wasn't a given he'd play. However, Dallas couldn't afford to keep Lively on the bench against the Warriors.
Without Lively, Dallas went 1-3. Defensively, the Mavericks suffered without their anchor. Upon entering the game in the first quarter, Lively rejected a shot one minute into his return from action. As the Mavericks seek a victory over the 8-2 Warriors, they'll need every minute of Lively, as he provides a wall built to deter opponents from the rim.
During Lively's absence, the Mavs netted a 17th-ranked defensive rating. While one player won't save the day on defense, Lively's passing and overall movement give the Mavericks another wrinkle for a team desperate for a favorable stretch.
Despite making the 2024 NBA Finals and adding multiple playmakers to the roster, the Mavericks are in 500-basketball territory.
Daniel Gafford may start games, but Lively is the heart of the defense and possibly of the team overall. Although tributes to Klay Thompson ruled the evening, Mavs fans at home understand what a Lively return means for a struggling 5-5 team.
