Report: Initial tests OK for Mavs' Dereck Lively II (neck)

Field Level Media|published: Mon 27th May, 10:52 2024

NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks

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

Initial tests "returned OK" for Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II after he left Sunday night's game with a neck strain, ESPN reported Monday.

The rookie's availability remains unclear for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, per the report. Dallas won 116-107 at home on Sunday to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

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.

--Field Level Media

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