Image Source: NBA Sports
[Saba Sports News] Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively entered concussion protocol on Sunday after taking a significant blow to the head during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lively was injured early in the second quarter while battling for a rebound. Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns inadvertently kneed Lively in the back of the head as Lively was falling to the floor at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Lively lay motionless, holding his head for over a minute. He eventually stood up but was visibly shaken. Mavericks teammates helped him to the locker room, where he was checked for a possible concussion.
Lively exited the game with 6 points and 3 rebounds on perfect shooting from the field. The 20-year-old has been crucial in the Mavericks’ playoff run, averaging 8.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game on 63.9% shooting. Both Lively and starting center Daniel Gafford have been key rim protectors for head coach Jason Kidd throughout the postseason.