DALLAS — Anyone who has followed the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA playoffs will tell you that Dereck Lively II has played an important role in the team's success. At just 20 years old and in his first NBA season, Lively has stepped up for the Mavs. However, he suffered an injury scare on Sunday night in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

It was ultimately revealed that Lively endured a neck sprain. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that tests returned “OK” on Lively's neck injury. Lively's availability for Game 4 remains in question, though.

The Mavs are going to proceed with caution. Neck injuries are always frightening. Fortunately, it appears that Lively avoided a serious injury. Nevertheless, the team is going to see how he feels on Monday.

“We will see how he feels tomorrow,” Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said after the team's 116-107 Game 3 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.

Dwight Powell replaced Lively, as the veteran filled in for Daniel Gafford when he needed rest. Powell has been with the Mavs for a long time and is capable of helping out on the boards. Still, the Mavs are obviously hopeful that Lively can return as soon as possible.

Lively's ability to make plays on both ends of the floor has been evident throughout the NBA playoffs. He can finish on lobs, record crucial rebounds, and protect the basket.

Dereck Lively II's immense impact on Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) dunks against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) in the first quarter during game three of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Mavericks players and coaches have had nothing but positive things to say about the rookie center. He brings positive energy in addition to his production.

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Lively is averaging 8.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per outing across his 15 playoff games so far. Gafford and Lively sub in and out for one another throughout games, giving the Mavs two reliable centers to play alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

“He’s been amazing this season, these playoffs,” Luka Doncic said of Lively after Game 2, via Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. “He took not one, not two, three steps forward. He’s a rookie. I think people forget this sometimes. He’s doing this in the Western Conference Finals, which is insane. His ceiling is gonna be huge.”

Dereck Lively II earned NBA Second-Team All-Rookie honors for his performance during the 2023-24 campaign. Although Lively would have preferred to have made the First-Team All-Rookie squad, it was still encouraging to see him rewarded for his rookie season.

“It's amazing,” Derrick Jones Jr. said previously of Lively receiving the honor. “I mean, like you said he should have been on First-Team, he got Second-Team, I'm just glad he got the accomplishment. He got that accolade next to his belt. But it's just the start for him. He's gonna have a tremendous next year. Hopefully we can see him on that All-Defense team one year.”

Lively's teammates clearly appreciate everything he brings to the Mavs. Again, Dallas is going to proceed with caution amid the center's current injury.

We will continue to monitor and provide updates on Dereck Lively II's status as they are made available.