The absence of Dereck Lively in Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves had a significant impact on the game. Without Lively on the court, the Timberwolves players, led by Anthony Edwards, were able to get into the paint more easily and take shots with less rim protection. Luka Doncic was also unable to connect with his favorite target for alley-oop dunks, with only one such dunk in the game.
However, Lively has been cleared to play for Game 5 and will be available for the crucial game. He missed part of Game 3 and all of Game 4 due to a neck sprain sustained during a collision with Karl-Anthony Towns, but he looked strong and ready to play in pregame warmups for Game 5. The Mavericks have performed well when Lively is on the court in this series, with a +22 point differential in the minutes he has played. With a 3-1 lead in the series, the Mavericks are looking to close out the Timberwolves in Game 5 and advance to the NBA Finals. A win would give both Lively and Doncic’s knee a week off before the finals begin on June 6. The return of Lively will be a significant boost for the Mavericks as they aim to secure a spot in the championship round.
