In a humorous turn of events during the fourth quarter of the Dallas Mavericks’ Game 3 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Thunder’s head coach, Mark Daigneault, employed the ‘Hack-a-Shaq’ strategy against Mavericks center Dereck Lively II. However, what ensued was a comical moment that quickly went viral on social media.
As Daigneault instructed his team to intentionally foul Lively in an attempt to gain a competitive advantage, Chet Holmgren found himself in a peculiar situation. Instead of willingly accepting the foul, Lively cleverly evaded Holmgren’s attempts to commit the foul, leading to an amusing scene on the court.
Despite the Thunder’s strategic maneuver, Lively managed to go 5-8 from the free throw line in the 4th quarter and 8-12 during the game, effectively nullifying their efforts as he finished the game with 12 points and 8 rebounds. The failed ‘Hack-a-Shaq’ strategy not only resulted in a missed opportunity for the Thunder but also provided basketball fans with an entertaining moment to remember.
This outcome is particularly impressive given Lively’s struggles from the charity stripe, as he shot only 50.6% during the regular season and has improved only marginally to 52.4% in the postseason. However, his overall contributions to the Mavericks are not solely measured by his free-throw shooting.
During the regular season, Lively averaged 8.8 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 74.7% from the field, showcasing his efficiency as a scorer and rebounder. In the postseason, although his scoring and rebounding numbers have dipped slightly to 7.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, respectively, his field goal percentage remains respectable at 60.5%.
The playful exchange between Holmgren and Lively exemplifies the lighter side of the game, showcasing the camaraderie and sportsmanship that exist between players, even in the heat of competition. While the ‘Hack-a-Shaq’ tactic is often employed as a strategic move to exploit an opponent’s weaknesses, its effectiveness can be undermined by players who are adept at capitalizing on the situation.
In the end, the Mavericks emerged victorious with a 105-101 win over the Thunder in Game 3, further solidifying their position in the Western Conference semifinals with a 2-1 lead. Despite the Thunder’s efforts to disrupt their rhythm, the Mavericks prevailed, demonstrating resilience and determination on their path to success in the playoffs.
As basketball continues to captivate audiences worldwide, moments like these serve as reminders of the game’s ability to entertain and inspire, transcending mere competition to create lasting memories for players and fans alike.
Dereck Lively II Listened To His Mom’s Advice While Hitting Free Throws In 4th Quarter
In a heartwarming twist during the intense Game 3 matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder, rookie center Dereck Lively II found solace and motivation in the memory of his late mother, Kathy.
“I know my momma got me. She’s watching me. I know she’s telling me to make the damn free throws, so I’ve got to step up and make them.”
Dereck Lively II says he leaned on the voice of his mom, Kathy, as he made those clutch free-throws. Read more about how Lively foiled OKC’s strategy:https://t.co/Kts6pznrhL pic.twitter.com/Xsy1t2Z2sk
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) May 12, 2024
Facing the Thunder’s ‘Hack-a-Lively’ strategy, initially, Lively evaded being fouled, but as the game progressed, he found his rhythm and nailed crucial free throws. Reflecting on his performance, Lively credited his mother’s voice echoing in his mind, urging him to succeed.
The support didn’t stop there. Lively revealed that teammate Kyrie Irving’s encouragement on the bench also played a pivotal role in boosting his confidence. Irving’s words resonated with Lively, reminding him to embrace the challenge and trust in his abilities.
“We came back to the bench and I was like man you don’t have to do all that, just let them foul you, accept it, take it as a compliment, and go up there and knock down your free throw. We believe in you…He showed a lot of poise…It worked out in our favor tonight. Just want him to go up to that line and shoot confidently.”
Kyrie Irving on his advice to Dereck Lively II during Hack-A-Lively:
“We came back to the bench and I was like man you don’t have to do all that, just let them foul you, accept it, take it as a compliment, and go up there and knock down your free throw. We believe in you…He… pic.twitter.com/UZnrXdL2vZ
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) May 11, 2024
Despite struggling from the free-throw line throughout the season, shooting a mere 50.6%, Lively showcased remarkable composure in the face of pressure. His newfound confidence propelled him to convert eight out of twelve free throw attempts during the game, significantly contributing to the Mavericks’ victory.
Kathy Drysdale, Lively’s mother, was not just a supportive figure but also his first basketball coach. Her competitive spirit and unwavering belief in her son left an indelible mark on Lively. Recalling her influence, Lively remembered instances where Kathy pushed him to excel, even if it meant tough love like kicking him out of the gym during shooting drills.
As Lively stood at the free-throw line, he drew strength from his mother’s memory, knowing she was watching over him. With each successful shot, he honored her legacy and demonstrated the resilience instilled in him by his beloved mother. In that pivotal moment, Lively proved that he was more than just a basketball player; he was a testament to the enduring bond between a son and his mother.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
