Dereck Lively II, the promising rookie, has been making waves in the NBA since the start of the season. After acquiring Lively from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a trade following his selection twelfth overall in the 2023 NBA draft, the Dallas Mavericks knew they had a special talent on their hands. And Lively has not disappointed.
Despite the Mavericks’ recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Lively managed to break a couple of remarkable NBA records as the 7-foot-1 center showcased his attacking and defensive prowess by setting a rookie record in the NBA’s history books.
Mavs set NBA record against OKC Thunder
In a thrilling game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Dallas Mavericks etched their names into NBA history with an incredible 30-0 run. Although they fell short of victory, this extraordinary feat showcased the resilience and character of the Mavericks’ team.
During the fourth quarter of the game, Dallas staged a sensational comeback, trailing 111-87 before relentlessly chipping away at the Thunder’s lead. With exceptional teamwork and precision, the Mavericks’ run remained in the game, catapulting them from a large deficit to a stunning 117-111 advantage.
Led by rookie sensation Dereck Lively II and the indomitable Luka Doncic, the Mavericks executed brilliantly, taking rhythm shots and thwarting the Thunder’s defensive effort to regain control of the game. The atmosphere was electric as the Mavericks surged ahead, reaching a score of 120-118.
However, despite their valiant efforts, the Thunder managed to stage a late comeback, scoring the game’s final eight points to secure a hard-fought 126-120 victory.
Jason Kidd, the head coach of the Mavericks, praised his team’s character and resilience throughout the game. He highlighted their ability to adapt to the defensive strategies employed against their star player, Doncic.
Notably, the NBA recognized this remarkable achievement as the longest run without allowing a basket in the play-by-play era, dating back to 1996–97. The previous record had been held by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who achieved a 29-0 run against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 6, 2009.
While the result may not have favored the Mavericks, there was another personal record that made a lot of headlines after the game.
Dereck Lively makes history
In an intense matchup against the odds, the shorthanded Mavericks faced a devastating loss without key players Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dante Exum. However, amidst the disappointment, there were glimmers of hope to be celebrated, particularly the awe-inspiring performance by 19-year-old rookie center Dereck Lively II.
Dereck Lively stole the spotlight, writing his name in the annals of NBA history by achieving a remarkable stat line of 20 points, 16 rebounds, and seven blocks. What sets this accomplishment apart is that he achieved it with perfection, shooting an impeccable 9-9 from the field.
Notably, he became the first teenager in NBA history to achieve such impressive numbers without missing a single shot. The young prodigy proved his mettle by displaying dominance on both ends of the court, finishing the game with a remarkable +12 rating.
Although the Mavericks fell short in their comeback bid, Lively remained upbeat, acknowledging the ebb and flow of the game. Reflecting on the defeat, he emphasized the importance of honing their abilities to close out end-game situations through increased practice. Dereck Lively’s resilience and analytical mindset reveal that he is not merely focused on personal glory but is committed to the team’s success.
Impressively, Lively has now matched up against the top contenders for Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, and has outperformed both in these head-to-head battles. Holmgren, who played for the OKC Thunder, had a respectable performance with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks on 4-10 shooting.
As Dereck Lively continues to etch his name in the record books and demonstrate his dominance against formidable opponents, the future looks incredibly promising for this young prodigy.
