Dallas Mavericks Center Dereck Lively II Ruled Out for Game 3 With Knee Sprain
Mavs star rookie center suffers setback in Western Conference Finals
Lively could miss rest of regular season, team says
DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II was ruled out of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday night with a knee sprain, the team announced.
Lively suffered the injury in the second quarter of Game 3 against the Golden State Warriors. He was helped off the court and did not return. The Mavericks announced after the game that Lively had a grade 2 MCL sprain and would not play in Game 4 on Tuesday night.
The injury is a major blow to the Mavericks, who are trying to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. Lively has been a key contributor this season, averaging 11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He has also been a force on defense, blocking 2.5 shots per game.
The Mavericks will now have to rely on Dwight Powell and Christian Wood to fill the void at center. Powell has been a solid starter for the Mavericks this season, averaging 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Wood has also been productive, averaging 11.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
The Mavericks will need to find a way to replace Lively's production if they want to beat the Warriors and reach the NBA Finals. Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals will be played on Tuesday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Comments