As Chris Haynes (TNT) reports, Lively will not be available for Game 4 due to a strained neck. The 20-year-old was injured in the Mavericks’ 116-107 win in the second quarter when Karl-Anthony Towns hit the rookie in the neck with his leg as he fell to the ground after a rebound.
Lively remained lying on the ground for a while and was only able to leave the court with the help of his teammates. The big man did not return after that, but the Mavs still beat Minnesota for the third time and only need one more win to reach the NBA Finals for the third time after 2006 and 2011.
The rookie plays an important role in the playoff run, even if he is only Daniel Gafford’s backup. In the series against the Wolves, Lively has sunk all 13 of his shots and is averaging 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds. Lively’s place in the rotation was taken by the experienced Dwight Powell, and at times head coach Jason Kidd also put forward PJ Washington at number five.
2024-05-28 04:06:00
#Mavs #Dereck #Livey #Game
