(sabasports report) The Dallas Mavericks suffered a major setback in a crucial playoff game when their leading inside lineman Dereck Lively left the game with a sprained neck, causing the team to go into a tailspin and the Minnesota Timberwolves to tie the game.
Lefley’s injury has had a major impact on the Mavericks. Team officials confirmed that Lefley will not return due to a neck sprain, and the loss of the interior barrier, the Mavericks defense has a serious hole, giving the Timberwolves a chance to fight back.
During the game, Lefley was injured twice, first when he was shoved in the crotch and then when he lost his balance while fighting for a rebound and slammed the back of his head into Karl-Anthony Towns’ knee. After the injury, he was helped to his feet by teammate Markieff Morris, but was unable to continue the game, severely affecting the Mavericks’ defense.
Leavley has been a standout in the playoffs this year and has done a lot of work for the team. He had 14 points and nine rebounds on 6-of-6 shooting in his previous game. He had 29 points, 23 rebounds and seven assists on 13 of 13 shooting in the series against the Timberwolves, while also blocking three shots and showing off his ability to protect the frame.
Laffley’s absence left the Mavericks’ interior defense weak for a while, and the team needed to find an effective response strategy to remain competitive in the next game.