Dereck Lively II earns praise from Luka Doncic: Mavs player is a great player

Dereck Lively II returned from injury to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a Christmas Day win over the Phoenix Suns.

Dereck Lively II made a triumphant return to the Dallas Mavericks lineup after missing four games due to a sprained left ankle. In their Christmas Day game against the Phoenix Suns, Lively put up an impressive double-double performance, scoring 20 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out one assist in the Mavericks' 128-114 victory. This marked his fifth double-double of the season and tied a career high for the rookie.

Lively's impact on the game was significant, as he became the 12th rookie in NBA history to achieve at least 20 points and 10 rebounds on Christmas Day. The Mavericks have a strong record of 4-1 when Lively records a double-double, highlighting his importance to the team's success.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd emphasized Lively's contribution, acknowledging his ability to make crucial plays and finish strong on the court. Despite being just 19 years old, Lively has proven himself as a valuable asset to the team.

Since joining the Mavericks, Lively has demonstrated his prowess as a dominant force in the paint on both offense and defense. His length and mobility make him a formidable presence in protecting the paint, while his ability to connect on lob plays adds another dimension to the team's offensive strategy.

Luka Doncic, the Mavericks' star player, commended Lively for his outstanding performance, expressing surprise at the rookie's impact and praising his work ethic and coachability. Doncic's endorsement of Lively's skills further solidifies his status as a rising star in the league.

Through 24 games, Lively has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 9.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 assists on an exceptional 74.5% shooting from the field. He ranks third in the rookie class for rebounding and blocks, and leads the league in field goal percentage, underscoring his remarkable talent and potential for future success in the NBA.