Viewed as the underdog given the questions about how they would respond to the energy and fearlessness of the youngest No. 1 seed in league history, the Dallas Mavericks offered their response in the most competitive way possible: by unleashing a talented up-and-comer of their own. With the trust of the coaching staff secured and well-earned, Dereck Lively II finds himself in an unlikely Year One scenario, on the floor in the final minutes of a back-and-forth closeout game. Unafraid of the moment, Lively operates a pick-and-roll with his All-Star teammate, cutting to the rim with vigor before winning a rookie-versus-rookie duel at the rim against Chet Holmgren, outlasting him for a powerful and-one finish. Lively’s veteran-like poise afforded him a chance to play the fourth quarter’s entirety, as Dallas survived a nine-point deficit to steal a series-deciding Game Six win on May 18, 2024. A ball of fire off of the bench, Lively’s tribute-paying performance proved historic, as he turned in 12 points and 15 rebounds — the youngest in postseason history to do so — along with three assists, one steal, one block, and a +26 plus-minus, cementing a trip to the Western Conference Finals. · May 19, 2024