Dereck Lively II is proving to be one of the best selections of the 2023 NBA Draft, as the rookie played an integral role in helping the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals. Lively lost his mother, Kathy Drysdale, right before the 2024 Playoffs began. With the Mavericks headed to the NBA Finals, Lively sent an emotional message to his mother after the game.
“Love you, mom. Just keep watching, I will make you proud.”
All the feels 🥹@chime // #OneForDallas #MFFL pic.twitter.com/1vnq2Z2RL0
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 31, 2024
Drysdale raised Lively as a single mother after the former Duke Blue Devil lost his father at seven years old. Drysdale was a former NCAA Women’s basketball player, imparting the perfect wisdom to her son to help him reach the NBA.
She was on his mind in the locker room after the Game 5 win as well, with Lively sharing an Instagram story for her.
“Just keep watching from above.”
Lively has drawn on his mother for motivation multiple times throughout this Playoff run, even joking about his sudden free throw improvement in the Playoffs has come about because he keeps imagining her mocking him if he ended up missing those shots.
The rookie center has dedicated multiple posts to his incredible mother throughout this Playoff run. Lively saw her battle Hodgkins-Lymphoma for the last decade. While her health had improved when he got drafted, with Drysdale a common fixture at Mavs games earlier this season, her passing left a deep impact on her son and even the fans.
Lively moved his mother in with him upon reaching the NBA, so it’s a testament to his maturity to find a new level in his play as he deals with the loss of his most loved companion.
Dereck Lively II Was Dominant In The Conference Finals
Dereck Lively II was named to the All-Rookie Second Team this season after averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks over the season. His counting stats were low because he executed a specific role for the Mavericks to almost perfection. His winning impact was seemingly ignored, with Dallas going 35-20 in games with Lively available over the season.
He’s been surging throughout the Playoffs. After a tough first-round series against the Clippers, Lively was among the major difference-makers in the Mavs’ second-round win over the OKC Thunder. He was arguably their third-best player in the Conference Finals, giving the team huge contributions to seal a gentleman’s sweep.
Lively played just four games against the Timberwolves, with all four being wins. The Mavericks’ Game 4 loss was with Lively unavailable due to a neck sprain, with the team returning to dominate once he was on the court. Over four games, Lively put up 38 points, 31 rebounds, 10 assists, and 6 blocks for averages of 9.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks.
The most remarkable achievement for Lively has to be his perfect 100% field goal percentage for the series. He went 16-16 on his field goal attempts, converting on spoon-fed lobs or finding ways to dominate within the inside with his soft touch and developing hook shot.
Luka Doncic even tried giving Lively his Western Conference Finals MVP trophy, though the center declined to keep it.
Luka Doncic tried to give Dereck Lively his Western Conference Finals MVP trophy. 😂✊
(via @BenGolliver)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 31, 2024
This is the longest streak of consecutive field goals without a miss in a playoff series in NBA history, meaning Lively is the second Maverick this season to set a consecutive field goals record after Daniel Gafford had the second-longest streak of such shots with 33 after being traded to the Mavericks.
Lively is averaging 8.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in the Playoffs. He will be a crucial factor for the Mavericks in their NBA Finals matchup against the Boston Celtics.
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