As they searched for ways to summon the energy needed to survive the double whammy of both a three-games-in-four-nights stretch and a four-game Eastern Conference road trip, the Dallas Mavericks knew all too well how important ambition and hustle would be. Knowingly equipped with a rookie built for the task at hand, the Mavericks positioned Dereck Lively II to confirm one thing: his face may have been masked, but his intentions and impact certainly wouldn’t be. Verified on the box score already by virtue of his two-way impact, Lively II hunts for his latest example, migrating into the land of the guards to shadow Jrue Holiday’s drive, ultimately pinning his layup attempt against the glass. Inconspicuous enough to not draw the detection of the Boston Celtics’ defense during his gallop down floor, the rookie big sequences the block, working a well-timed slip screen to set his path for a two-handed flush. One of the few bright spots in the soon-to-be NBA Finals preview on March 1, 2024, Lively II impressed even in defeat, connecting for 15 points — on a perfect seven-of-seven shooting — with four rebounds, two steals, and one block to support it. · Mar 2, 2024