DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks center Derek Lively II will miss Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against Minnesota on Sunday night after being struck in the back of the head by the knee of Timberwolves guard Karl-Anthony Towns.
The accidental contact sent his head flying forward, leaving the Duke freshman holding his head. Lively lay on the floor for several minutes and appeared dazed while being helped off the court and taken to the locker room.
In the second quarter, Mike Conley was driving for a missed shot and Towns was going for the offensive rebound when Lively took a knee to the head and went down.
Coach Jason Kidd did not provide an update on Lively's status. Dallas wins 116-107 They're up 3-0. Game 4 will be Tuesday night in Dallas.
The 20-year-old Lively and starting center Daniel Gafford played key roles in helping Dallas take a 2-0 lead in the series. Lively made 12 of 12 field goals in the series, including three in Game 3 when he was injured.
“He's been a huge asset to us in the playoffs and in the regular season,” star guard Luka Doncic said. “Obviously, we're going to miss him.”
Dallas was already without center forward Maxi Kleber, who dislocated his shoulder in round 2. Lively's injury forced Dwight Powell into the lineup.
Powell, who had played fewer than 15 minutes in the postseason prior to this game, finished with two points and two rebounds in eight minutes.
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