Positioned to make an instant impact with the size and athleticism he brings to the Dallas Mavericks, it was Dereck Lively II’s motor down the stretch that shined in his debut. Embroiled in a tight, fourth-quarter battle between division rivals, Lively II battles for position on the glass with fellow rookie Victor Wembanyama, deflects the ball to a teammate, then loops back around to the hoop to throw down a putback slam off a miss. Lively II recorded a double-double in his first game as a pro, dropping 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting and added 10 boards in the October 25, 2023 win. · Oct 26, 2023