During Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mavericks center Dereck Lively sustained a neck sprain, forcing him out of the game, as confirmed by Dallas.
The incident occurred in the second quarter when Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns unintentionally made contact with Lively’s neck with his leg while both players were vying for a rebound.
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Lively remained on the floor for several minutes before being assisted off by teammates. The 20-year-old was immediately taken to the locker room for evaluation.
Subsequently, veteran forward Dwight Powell took Lively’s place in the lineup. At the time of Lively’s departure, the Mavericks were leading 43-33.
Prior to his injury, Lively, who has maintained a perfect field goal record throughout the series, contributed six points, three rebounds, and two assists in nine minutes off the bench.
Having entered Game 3 with a 2-0 advantage in the series, the Mavericks aim to maintain their lead despite Lively’s absence.
