Mavs C Dereck Lively (neck) exits game vs. Wolves

Field Level Media|published: Sun 26th May, 22:47 2024

May 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) leaves the court after an injury in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game three of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II was forced out of Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night due to a neck sprain.

After contesting a shot, Lively fell to the floor and banged his head against Minnesota big man Karl-Anthony Towns' knee with 8:35 left in the second quarter. Lively stayed on the ground with his arms wrapped around his head and was eventually helped to the Dallas locker room.

The Mavericks later announced that Lively was done for the game.

Prior to exiting, Lively had six points, three rebounds and two assists in nine minutes.

Lively, 20, averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks across 55 games (42 starts) during the regular season. He finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting.

Dallas ended up winning Sunday's game 116-107 to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Mavericks will have an opportunity to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals in front of their home crowd on Tuesday when the teams meet for Game 4.

--Field Level Media

Latest