Dereck Lively II has been instrumental in guiding the Dallas Mavericks to the Western Conference for just the second time in since 2011. The 20-year-old rookie has is still developing his game, but has been key for a Dallas side that was lacking something from their big men last season.
On Saturday, the Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thrilling game that went down to the wire to win the series 4-2. Led by a boisterous crowd at the American Airlines Arena, Jason Kiddd’s team was able to edge Game 6 117-116. Lively was exceptional off the bench contributing 12 points, 15 rebounds and three assists over just 29 minutes.
After the game, Lively shared a tribute to his mother Kathy Drysdale who passed away on April 12 at the age of just 53 years old from cancer. The message was shared on his IG story on Saturday after the Mavericks victory.
“Love u momma. Miss u momma. Just sit back n watch,” wrote Lovely.
It has been a difficult year for the Dereck Lively II and his family. When his mother passed last month, Lively shared a heartfelt message stating: “My heart breaks saying goodbye to the most important person in the world to me, my superhero, my biggest cheerleader and mom, Kathy Drysdale.”
