Dereck Lively II has been a strong option off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks this season. The 20-year-old played a vital part in the Mavs’ win over the OKC Thunder in the conference semifinals and the rookie handed the credit of his success to his late mother’s pep talk.
During the Mavs’ training press conference, Dereck Lively opened up about his motivation against the OKC. The Oklahoma players intentionally fouled Lively throughout the series to get possession of the ball as they anticipated the rookie would miss them. But every time Lively got the freebies, he stepped up to slide it through. “It wasn’t even a challenge from them. I heard my mom in my ear say, ‘If you miss it, you s**k.’ So you got to be able to step up and make those easy shots,” said Lively.
Lively was raised single-handedly by his mother, Kathy Drysdale, from the age of eight after his father’s demise. Last month, the center’s mother also succumbed in her long battle with cancer. Despite the irreplaceable loss, Lively kept moving forward and is often seen giving tribute to his late mom.
His contribution to the franchise this season has been undeniable, and he reaped the reward for his hard work on Monday.
Dereck Lively II Earns All-Rookie Second-Team Selection
Dereck Lively averaged 8.8 this season in the 55 games he played. His impressive 74.7% shooting, coupled with 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 assists proved his potential. The NBA announced the All-Rookie first team and second team on Monday, where Lively was selected in the latter one.
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In the postseason, he maintained his form with 8.3 points per game and 7 rebounds with his playoff-high 15 rebounds coming in the vital elimination game against the OKC. Lively and Co. are set to face the hungry Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, starting on Wednesday, and surely Lively’s mother will be in his ears to bring the best out her son as she looks over with pride.
Also Read: Derrick Jones Jr. and Dereck Lively II Lead Mavericks to Western Conference Finals
