Dallas Mavs Hot Reactions: Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively Two-Man Game Continues to Grow
Following a humbling loss in New Orleans, the Dallas Mavericks showed some pride on Wednesday’s second night of a back-to-back against the Washington Wizards, pulling out a 130-117 win and pushing their record to 9-3 through 12 games.
Sixth Man of the Year Candidate Tim Hardaway Jr. played a big part in the win, scoring a game-high 31 points off the bench, but it was the growing chemistry of Luka Doncic and rookie starting center Dereck Lively II that was arguably the most intriguing aspect of the game.
During the third quarter, Doncic and Lively put on a pick-and-roll clinic, completely decimating Washington’s defense within just three minutes of actual game time. Doncic had 26 points and 10 assists in 32 minutes, and Lively finished with a career-high 17 points to go with nine rebounds and two blocks in just 24 minutes.
“It feels great to be able to trust the pass, no matter if that is playing out of the short roll, finding kick-outs to the corner, getting offensive and defensive boards, blocking shots or creating shots for others,” Lively said after the game.“I know that my job is very significant, so I just gotta be able to play with 100-percent effort every time I step on the floor.”
Doncic has never played with a center that has the physical tools and basketball IQ that Lively possesses. The four-time All-NBA First Teamer and 19-year-old big man are a match made in basketball heaven, and their play together will only continue to get better as they play more games and build on the chemistry that is already there naturally.
In 11 games, Lively is averaging 1.35 points per possession as a pick-and-roll man, which ranks ninth in the league out of players averaging at least 1.5 possessions as the roll man.
Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II finishes off a massive dunk vs. the Washington Wizards.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
“It is definitely a physical and mental battle,” Lively said of transitioning from college basketball to the NBA. “You gotta make sure you’re getting your body right, your mind right. You gotta take care of yourself as a pro. You gotta be able to know assignments, your own plays, different schemes. No matter what they throw at you, you gotta be able to be one step ahead.”
On the latest episode of Mavs Step Back, our podcast correspondent Grant Afseth joins me to talk about ever-growing potential of the Doncic-Lively duo, as well as the latest on Kyrie Irving’s injury situation and the Mavs’ outlook based on their upcoming schedule.
You can watch and listen to the full segment below, and be sure to subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you get your podcasts! You can also leave us a review on Apple Podcasts for a chance to win future giveaways.
