Mavericks rookie joins Magic Johnson in exclusive club

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II.

Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II played a critical role in his team remaining alive in the NBA Finals on Friday, recording a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, which included the first three-pointer of his NBA career (regular season included).

Lively, 20, joined Lakers legend Magic Johnson as the only player 20 or younger to record multiple double-doubles in the NBA Finals. The Duke alum registered 11 points and 13 rebounds in Dallas' 106-99 loss in Game 3, playing a big part in the Mavs' 22-2 fourth-quarter run that nearly helped them complete a miraculous comeback. On Friday, though, Lively's infectious hustle and energy did not go in vain.

Remarkably, Lively also became the youngest player in NBA Finals history to make a 3-point shot.

For perspective, Lively attempted and missed his only two threes during the regular season, with his last attempt against the Pelicans on Nov. 14. Lively went 2-of-13 from three during his college career.

In his postgame press conference, an emotional Lively credited his late mother for helping him make an improbable three under the brightest lights of the NBA Finals.

Meanwhile, Mavs star Luka Doncic praised his rookie for injecting life into a team on the brink of elimination.

"I think people forget he's a rookie doing this stuff," Doncic said of Lively. "He's been amazing the whole season. Just watching him grow, it's unbelievable. It's fun having him out there with me, and [to] call him my teammate. It's unbelievable and it's a pleasure to have him."

The Mavs are trying to become the first team in NBA playoffs history, let alone the NBA Finals, to overcome a 0-3 deficit. Down 1-3, they will resume the mission during Monday's Game 4 in Boston.

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