Dallas Mavericks fans are excited about basketball again this NBA playoff season. The city’s fans have endured mediocrity from the Cowboys for decades and have channeled their excitement into the promising early career of superstar Luka Doncic, the addition of Kyrie Irving, and the always notable presence of owner Marc Cuban. Interest is also piqued because the Mavericks are in the playoffs again after missing the post-season altogether last season.
This playoff season, it’s a team member without the star power of a Doncic or an Irving that is taking a heavy burden. Dereck Lively II, a rookie for the Mavericks, lost his mother, Kathy Drysdale, to cancer on April 12. She was only 53 years of age. The loss of his mother happened in the midst of his absence from the court from injury that lasted the final eight games of the season, and after playing just 55 games during his injury-riddled regular season overall.
Dallas Maverick Dereck Lively II with his Mother Kathy Drysdale
It goes without saying that Lively’s mother takes precedence over injuries and playoff games. Addressing his teammates, he said of his grief process, “There’s times when I’m not as joyous, I’m not as loud … I’m not dancing and doing all those things, because there’s a lot of things going on in my head.” Spending time with family soon after his mother’s passing, Lively added “There’s really been a lot going on in my life. There’s been a lot of chaos … this is the only place where I can come to bond.”
Jason Kidd on Dereck Lively II:
“He’s done incredible. He’s an incredible young man. His spirit is in a good place. Of what he’s going threw off the floor, you wouldn’t know by the way he practiced today…As a 20 year old, he’s been incredible and we’re here to support…” pic.twitter.com/ieR3TJEVvs
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) April 18, 2024
Lively’s injury was a sprain to his right knee, which required rehab in addition to sitting out the string of games just prior to the playoffs. His return was in Game 1 against the LA Clippers in Los Angelos, a decisive win for the Clippers in which the Mavericks looked shell-shocked. Lively logged 16 minutes, putting up 3 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots.
In Game 2, with their backs against the wall, the Mavericks responded with a 96-93 win, tying the series at 1-1. Lively’s numbers went up all around. In 21 minutes, he added 7 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and a steal. It’s a promising trend for the 7’1”, 230-pound center out of Duke.
Kyrie Irving ↗️ Dereck Lively pic.twitter.com/xme8ni1NyB
— NBA MÉXICO (@NBAMEX) April 24, 2024
Dallas had to buckle down in Game 2 to prevent going down 2-0 in the series. Not only did Lively up his game and Irving contribute his typically outstanding performance, but Doncic went off for 32 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block in 46 minutes of play. Doncic growled at the crowd in Los Angelos after getting a key bucket late in the same, a sign of the crucial nature of the contest.
Lively Looks to Build on Game 2 While Leonard’s Ready After Return
Dereck Lively II posted this on his Instagram story ahead of today’s game.
This is his first career playoff game and his first game he’ll play in since his mother passed away 🙏 pic.twitter.com/7aftjY9fsQ
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) April 21, 2024
Injuries have abounded after the long NBA regular season leading into the playoffs. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard was also out with a knee injury for the final string of games prior to the start of the postseason. Leonard missed the first game of the series, making his comeback in Game 2, playing for 35 minutes and filling up the stat sheet with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists and a block.
Leonard is no stranger to tragedy himself. His father was murdered in 2008, shot in a carwash owned by his family in Compton, California. Leonard broke down in tears after playing a game soon after his father’s killing.
The road to healing has gone through the basketball court for Leonard; his stepmother sharing that playing basketball was therapy for Kawhi after the tragedy. Lively too said “…whenever I get on the court it just seems like everything goes quiet and I can finally come back and have a moment with myself, and I don’t have to worry.”
“…You got to be able to keep moving. That’s kind of what my mom would want me to do.” The series now heads home for the Dallas Mavericks in the American Airlines Center downtown. Game 3 will be played this Friday night, April 26th, on ESPN at 7 p.m. Central.
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