‘It’s for her’: Mavericks’ Lively II dedicates his first 3-pointer to late mother
The NBA Finals are a magical, special place. Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II experienced that first-hand on Friday.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the big man, who isn’t known for his range, pulled up on a catch-and-shoot from the corner and knocked down the first 3-pointer of his career on the biggest possible stage. After the game, he dedicated that shot to his late mother who passed away earlier this year.
“It’s for her,” he said. “She helped me make it. She’s gonna help me make a lot more.”
His mother, Kathy Drysdale, a college basketball standout with Penn State, passed away due to cancer on April 12 at age 53.
“She helped me at the free throw line, she helped me make reads. I’m just thankful,” Lively said.
Lively had one of the best games of his young career in the Mavericks’ Game 4 victory, scoring 11 points and grabbing 12 boards, but no points were more important than the three he picked up in the first quarter.
He had only attempted two 3-pointers this season before his look in the Finals but shot it without hesitation after a quick kick out pass from Luka Doncic.
With the make, the 20-year-old became the youngest player in NBA history to make a 3-pointer in the Finals.
“They leave me open in the corner I’m gonna get ’em up for sure. It’s just having that trust when Luka gives me the ball,” he said. “As soon as I shot it he knew. He kinda jumped for joy when it went in.
“Having that reaction from my teammates is amazing. Makes me want to learn, makes me want to practise and just do more.”
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