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Dereck Lively II ‘Grateful’ for Impactful Rookie Season with Dallas Mavericks

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Dereck Lively II ‘Grateful’ for Impactful Rookie Season with Dallas Mavericks


DALLAS — When Dereck Lively II was first drafted, he did not expect to achieve the results he’s provided the Dallas Mavericks. Many felt he’d take time to develop, potentially requiring some time in the G League. He became an indispensable contributor before the regular season even began.

Lively averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 55 games, shooting 74.7% from the floor. His production for a 50-win team earned him a spot on the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team. He’s continued to provide a substantial impact in the postseason, averaging 8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists despite coming off the bench with a historic +87 plus-minus, trailing only Manu Ginobili (+191) among rookies during a postseason run.

“Coming into my first season, I never imagined my season would be like this,” Lively said. “I never imagined the position I’d be in or to have this much success. So I’m grateful. And I’m just trying to focus on what we have going forward.”

May 18, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA;  Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) shoots as Oklahoma

May 18, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) shoots as Oklahoma / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The impact Lively provides the Mavericks has completely changed the franchise. He’s been an explosive lob threat and overall highly efficient play finisher. He’s a smart decision-maker in short roll situations along with showing continually improving ability to handle scoring in those situations. He’s a very talkative leader as a defensive anchor who does the dirty work with a lot of energy in the paint, crashing both the boarsd at a high level on offense and defense. He’s everything the organization could have asked for in recent years to pair with Luka Doncic and now Kyrie Irving.

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Lively was grateful to earn his regular season honor, but as he’s continued to show in the postseason, his impact this season has been among the very best among his rookie peers. He is focused on helping the Mavericks contend for a championship over individual accolades or statistics.

“They (voters) are going to look in the regular season of who’s making the most noise, who had the most eyes on them,” Lively said. “But no matter if I have 10 points, 10 rebounds, 10 blocks or zero points, zero rebounds, zero blocks, zero assists, I just want to win.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m first-team all-rookie, I don’t care about all that,” Lively explained. “I just want to go out there and get the W.”

Part of the rookie experience involves the rookie wall that many talk about. Lively admitted he felt it in November or December given all of the adjustments that are required not just on the court, but regarding lifestyle. He clearly handled it well as he maintained an instrumental contributor.

“Man, I hit the wall when the season started. November, I probably hit the wall. December, January, let’s be honest, but it’s basketball. You can get tired,” Lively admitted.

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“You’re going to be tired mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally with all the things going on with all the media going on,” Lively elaborated. “If you go outside, no matter if you want to be seen or not, it’s kind of hard because you are labeled as a Mavs player, and you’re a basketball player.”

As Lively continues to be an impact player in the playoffs, he leans on the advice of his mother, Kathy Drysdale, who recently passed away. Lively mentioned a phrase, “sink or swim,” that his mother would use throughout his childhood to handle difficult situations.

“I feel like it comes back to my mom’s own saying, and this goes back to when I was a baby: sink or swim,” Lively said. “You’re going to be in high-intensity moments, do-or-die moments, as you could call them. You’re either going to float, stay alive, and figure out how to learn and adapt, or you’re going to sink and fall to the floor. No one wants to sink; everyone wants to stay afloat.”

READ MORE: Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving Tandem Instrumental in Deep Playoff Run

The Oklahoma City Thunder tried to intentionally send Lively to the free throw line in some late-game situations during the Mavericks’ Western Conference semifinal series. Lively mentioned how he didn’t view it as a challenge from the opponent. Instead, he would lean on his mother’s voice when he stepped up to the free-throw line. He shot 50.6% from the free throw line in the regular season but raised it to 66.7% against the Thunder.

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“It wasn’t even a challenge from them. I heard my mom in my ear saying, ‘If you miss it, you suck.’ So you just have to step up and make those easy shots,” Lively said. “If they’re going to give you free shots, you have to make them. Whenever you miss them, it just makes you want to get in the gym and work on it that much more.”

Lively’s next challenge will be against a star-studded frontcourt with four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns when taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. Interestingly enough, Lively’s first exposure to NBA basketball involved

” I got to be able to be more sound whenever there’s a, you know, he’s been what multiple time defensive player of the year. And they have a lot, they have a lot of size for multiple, multiple positions.. You got to be able to learn to be able to adapt, got to be able to find the holes and what they have in the defense, and just be able to try to come out on top.”

Lively has respect for the impact Gobert provides defensively, particularly emphasizing the difficulty of account for his timing, positioning, and wingspan.

“I would say his timing, his positioning, his arm length, and his being able to just understand who’s coming,” Lively said of Gobert. “If they’re going to come down the lane and you’re a right-hand finisher, he’s going to sit on your right hand, knowing that you’re not going to go to your left. Or if he knows that you have a lot of athleticism, he’s going to meet you one step earlier, so you can’t load up as far.

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“Just being able to know that he’s been doing this for a lot of years is going to make it that much harder, but it’s going to make it that much more fun to learn,” Lively explained.

One reporter asked Lively since Kyrie can go left or right, Gobert can’t block Kyrie’s shot, right? Lively replied: “Good luck.

Lively admitted he’s been trying all season to figure out how to block Irving’s shot in practice: “I’ve been trying to figure out how to block his shot all year, and I haven’t had much success. Knowing we have Kyrie Irving there will make him think. That’s where I’m going to try to find little holes in the defense.”



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Dallas, TX

Heavy rains bring major flooding to Dallas-area roadway

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Heavy rains bring major flooding to Dallas-area roadway


A busy Dallas-area road was seen deep underwater around midnight on Tuesday after rounds of heavy rain pushed through North Texas.

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FOX 4 crews found a section of I-35 East under deep water following the storms.

DFW Freeway Underwater

What we know:

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Reports just before midnight said cars on I-35 East were in water up to their windows on the road.

One report said cars traveling north on I-35 were stuck at a standstill in water up to vehicles’ frames. 

The standing water came shortly after flash flood warnings were issued for Dallas County and surrounding areas. The warning was issued until 2 a.m. Wednesday.

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What we don’t know:

At the time of reporting, officials had not provided comment on road conditions in the area. It’s not known what other roads may be affected by the flooding.

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Severe DFW Weather

In the midst of severe weather warnings throughout the area from Tuesday afternoon through the early hours of Wednesday, torrential rain was seen in the north Dallas County areas, including Addison, Garland, and Plano.

Isolated, short-lived tornado warnings were issued in some counties within the FOX 4 viewing area. As of now, tornadoes have not been reported, nor has severe weather damage.

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What you can do:

Anyone in areas where severe weather is expected over the coming hours is urged to remain indoors or within other shelters until the threat has passed. Those forced to drive in areas with flash flood or other severe warnings are reminded not to attempt to cross roadways covered in deep water.

For live severe weather alerts, follow @Fox4Weather on X. Current severe weather alerts are also listed and updated on the FOX 4 website.

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The Source: Information in this article comes from FOX 4 reporting in the field.

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Dallas, TX

Stars HC In Hot Water Following Playoff Exit

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Stars HC In Hot Water Following Playoff Exit


The Dallas Stars looked poised for a chance at the Stanley Cup as they head into the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers. Despite being the favorites, the Stars sealed just one win as the Oilers won the series in five games to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

Not only did the Stars fall apart in the series, but head coach Peter also DeBoer may have put himself in hot water with the rest of the organization. DeBoer pulled star goalie Jake Oettinger early and in embarrassing fashion in the deciding Game 5, a move that likely put a damper on morale.

Following the game, DeBoer defended his move by saying Oettinger had a track record of struggling against the Oilers. DeBoer later referenced a conversation he and the coaching staff had about possibly not starting Oettinger in Game 4 thanks to an illness.

Between the awkward pulling in Game 5 and standing his ground on his decision, Stars players are not happy with DeBoer. According to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, players voiced their concerns during exit interviews.

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“Noise out of Dallas re: Pete DeBoer,” Pagnotta said in a tweet. “Per multiple sources, players are not pleased with how he handled several situations during the WCF, along with post Gm5 & exit media remarks. Told players voiced concerns during internal exit interviews.”

Pagnotta also mentioned that DeBoer only has one year left on his contract. With just one year left, the chances of a head coach firing are much more likely. If not a firing, talks of a contract extension are almost surely not happening.

Head coaching searches have been taking place with numerous teams across the league. The Stars would be very late to the part if they decided to part ways with DeBoer right now, with most of the big names already being scooped up.

The Stars have a good team, three straight trips to the Western Conference Final is nothing to scoff at, but they need more. The players know their roles but don’t seem to be speaking highly of their bench boss.

Make sure you bookmark Breakaway On SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

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Cowboys ‘Swiss Army knife’ could play vital role for offense in 2025

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Cowboys ‘Swiss Army knife’ could play vital role for offense in 2025


The Dallas Cowboys offense will be looking to make a statement this upcoming season, after injuries stole what could have been a potential great season in 2024.

The front office has made some moves in the offseason and in the 2025 NFL Draft that should give the unit a lot of confidence heading into a new year, including the biggest move of adding wide receiver George Pickens after a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

However, what role can returning players expect in the offense during the upcoming NFL campaign?

MORE: Future HOFer rips Cowboys for ‘ one of worst offseasons of all-time’

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Tommy Yarrish of the Dallas Cowboys’ official website feels that running back Hunter Luepke could play a pivotal role in 2025.

Hunter Luepk

Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke makes a catch during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields. / Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

“The Swiss army knife that is Hunter Luepke can serve in a lot of different roles for the Cowboys’ offense, and that’s been on display early in OTAs and his overall time in Dallas. He’s played running back, fullback and tight end along with special teams,” he wrote. “So, which spot does he settle into the best? Is it all of the above, or does Brian Schottenheimer find a permanent home and role for him in his offense?

“The good news for Luepke and the Cowboys is he can do a lot, and with an emphasis on wanting to run the football his ability as a blocker or short down back gives him a versatile skill set that can be used in-line as a tight end or as a fullback.”

MORE: Cowboys’ 3 most important needs entering 2025 training camp

Luepke could become a do it all player for the franchise, that could be the Achilles heel for any defense the Cowboys face.

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Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke runs the ball against Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler.

Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke runs the ball against Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler. / Peter Casey-Imagn Images

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