Kofi Inkoom
8:52: PM : Dereck Lively II will miss rest of game 3 vs Timberwolves, the team announced.
8:27 PM : Dereck Lively II (neck sprain) is questionable to return to the game 3 vs Timberwolves.
8:07 PM During Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves, Dereck Lively of the Dallas Mavericks suffered what seems to be a head injury. This occurred with 8:35 left in the second quarter.
Dereck Lively II (head) helped to locker room Sunday. Possibly a concussion
— NBArepublic.com (@nba_republic) May 27, 2024
Lively was hit in the back of the head by a knee and stayed down for quite some time. Before that, he had already taken a hit to his groin from the same player, Karl Anthony Towns.
When he finally got up, he was visibly in pain and had to be assisted to the locker room. It’s likely he’ll be checked for a concussion, and it’s uncertain if he’ll be able to continue playing in the game.
Prior to the injury, Lively had six points, three rebounds, two assists, and a block in nine minutes of play. The Mavericks currently have a 2-0 lead over the Timberwolves in the series, putting them in a favorable position to advance to the NBA finals.