Dereck Lively II, the promising rookie center for the Dallas Mavericks, endured a rough outing in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. During a fiercely contested matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lively experienced not one, but two painful encounters with the knees of Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT).
In the first instance, Lively was hit in a sensitive area by KAT’s knee. The unintended contact left Lively in visible pain on the court, adding a moment of levity to an otherwise intense game. However, the night took a more serious turn just minutes later.
Dereck Lively II’s Head Injury Incident
As the game progressed, Lively took another hit from Towns, this time to the back of his head. The collision occurred when Lively fell directly into the path of Towns, who was vying for a rebound. The force of the knee to his head left Lively down on the court for several minutes, causing concern among teammates and fans.
The severity of the head injury led to immediate medical attention. Lively had to be assisted off the court and taken to the locker room for further evaluation, including tests for a possible concussion. The Mavericks’ medical team is expected to keep a close watch on him, as head injuries require careful monitoring and a cautious approach to recovery.
Impact on Dallas Mavericks’ Playoff Hopes
Lively’s presence has been crucial for the Mavericks throughout the postseason. Averaging 8.7 points and 7.4 rebounds, his performance has significantly contributed to Dallas’s success. The rookie’s absence due to injury could have a notable impact on the team’s chances in the series, depending on the severity of his condition.
No Fouls Called on KAT
Interestingly, despite the two incidents, Karl-Anthony Towns did not receive any fouls. The Mavericks did challenge the first play, arguing that Towns led with his knee, but officials deemed the knee’s position consistent with a natural shooting motion. Consequently, Towns was not penalized, and play continued without further repercussions for the Timberwolves’ star.
Concussion Protocol and Future Games
Due to concussion protocol, the Mavericks were not charged a timeout during the stoppage for Lively’s injury. However, the uncertainty surrounding his availability for the remainder of the series looms large. The team’s medical evaluations will determine whether Lively can return to the court or if his season might be prematurely ended by these unfortunate events.
Source: Fansided
