DALLAS — It remains to be seen whether Derek Lively II will be available when the Dallas Mavericks play Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
After Sunday's blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Lively's status for the next game remains uncertain. When asked about Lively's availability, Mavs coach Jason Kidd had a less than positive response. “We'll see,” he said, leaving room for speculation about the potential impact of his absence.
March 29, 2024. Sacramento, California, USA. Sacramento Kings Forward Domantas Sabonis (10 games)
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Lively has been sidelined since March 31 with a right knee sprain. He was injured after playing 13 minutes in the Mavs' road win against the Houston Rockets when he landed awkwardly after blocking Amen Thompson at the rim.
Lively, the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has been a key piece for the Mavs this season. He appeared in 55 games, averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. His presence on the court is vital, as evidenced by the team's 35-20 record when he played.
There are more important developments in Lively's life as she overcomes the death of her mother, Kathy Drysdale, who was announced before the Mavs played the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
Drysdale, who had been battling cancer since 2013, passed away on Friday. Lively shared the news on social media.
“My heart breaks as I say goodbye to the most important person in the world to me, my best friend, my superhero, my biggest cheerleader and mother, Kathy Drysdale. To this world,” Lively wrote on Instagram. There is no one I can love.'' You more than your mother. As strong and stubborn as she is, I have watched her fight, fight and survive cancer for the past 11 years and now her battle is over. ”
Despite the circumstances, Lively attended Friday's game and cheered on his teammates wearing a No. 42 jersey with “Drysdale” written on the nameplate in honor of his mother. Lively, along with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, did not travel to Oklahoma City for Sunday's game.
“He had every right to be with his family and friends to come to work after his mother passed away this afternoon,” Kidd said. “But it just shows a safe place. And the fact that he's with the team during the game shows what kind of person he is. He has the strength to move forward. Indicated.”
Daniel Gafford emerged as the Mavs' starting center back in March and led the team to a 16-2 record in 18 games, after which the team earned the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference standings. If Lively is unable to play, Maxi Kleber will certainly be considered for more minutes at the No. 5, and Dwight Powell is another option.
