Dereck Lively spoke after Game 4 of the NBA Finals about his surprising corner three-pointer in the first quarter. Lively claimed that the shot was in tribute to his late mother, Kathy Drysdale, who passed away earlier this year. He also credited her for helping him make the shot, along with every other shot he makes in the future, whether they be three-pointers or free throws.
“It was for her. She helped me make it. She’s going to help me make a lot more. She helps me make (shots) the free throw line, she helps me make reads. I’m just thankful for… having Luka pass me the ball in that position, I’m happy I knocked it down. Just got to be able to make the next one.”
Dereck Lively says the 3-pointer was for his late mother, Kathy Drysdale. 💙 pic.twitter.com/KHEHPWDve2
— FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (@FanDuelSN_SW) June 15, 2024
Dereck Lively lost his mother in early April of this year after she lost her battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It has been an emotionally turbulent time for the rookie, but he has made her proud with some incredible basketball in the playoffs.
Lively even shared a touching message to his mother after reaching the NBA Finals, telling her that he loved her and was going to make her proud. He was very close with his mother and was even living with her for much of the season before she unfortunately passed.
DERECK LIVELY 3-BALL. YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT. pic.twitter.com/GmPwAZuNHx
— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) June 15, 2024
Lively had a great game against the Celtics last night, securing a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. His three-point shot against the Celtics also made him the youngest player in NBA Finals history to make a three-point shot.
Dereck Lively has been a revelation since being drafted by the Mavericks with the 12th overall pick last year. During the playoffs, Lively has mostly come off the bench, and put up solid numbers, averaging 8.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Luka Doncic Loves Dereck Lively’s Performances In The Playoffs
Luka Doncic spoke after the game about Dereck Lively. He reminded the press that he is just a rookie, before praising his growth on the team this year. Doncic then said that it was a pleasure for him to call Lively his teammate, before joking that he should shoot more since he’s shooting at 50% for the season.
“Big time, man. I think people forget that he’s a rookie doing this stuff. He’s been amazing the whole season. Just watching him grow was unbelievable. It’s fun having him out there with me and call him my teammate, it’s unbelievable and it’s a pleasure to have him. He’s 50% this season, he might as well keep shooting.”
LD loves the Rookie’s game! pic.twitter.com/bM5mZ9RZDG
— FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (@FanDuelSN_SW) June 15, 2024
Doncic is clearly a big fan of the young big man’s energy and hustle. And it bodes well for Lively that the leader of his team is such a big supporter of his. Lively became a fan favorite among the Mavs supporters, and it looks like the locker room also backs him to be their big man for the years to come.
Dereck Lively will be crucial for the rest of the series, as he and Daniel Gafford will somehow have to overcome Kristaps Porzingis, should he return at any point. Porzingis’ size advantage over both of them makes things very difficult for them, but they can use their speed to try and maneuver against him.
The young rookie will have to continue playing some excellent basketball if the Mavericks want to make history – overcoming a 3-0 deficit to win the NBA championship this season.
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