NBA Playoffs: Mavericks Rookie Dereck Lively II Forced to Exit Game 3 Against Timberwolves Due to Head Injury from Knee Collision

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II suffered a scary moment in their playoff game against the Timberwolves when he took an inadvertent knee to the back of his head from Karl-Anthony Towns. The incident occurred in the second quarter, with Lively falling backward and hitting Towns’ knee as he contested a shot.

Lively was visibly shaken and had to be helped off the court by his teammates. The Mavericks listed him as questionable at halftime with a neck sprain before ruling him out for the rest of the game. This is a significant blow for the Mavericks, as Lively has been a key contributor in their playoff run.

The rookie out of Duke has been a revelation for Dallas, averaging 8.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks in the postseason. His defensive presence in the post has been invaluable as the Mavericks have advanced through the playoffs.

Despite Lively’s absence, the Mavericks managed to secure a 116-107 win over the Timberwolves in Game 3, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving leading the way, Dallas is now just one win away from reaching their first NBA Finals since 2011.

The Mavericks will look to close out the series at home in Game 4 on Tuesday night, but the health and availability of Dereck Lively II will be a major concern moving forward. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his condition as Dallas looks to secure their spot in the NBA Finals.