Dallas Mavs Rookie Dereck Lively II Leaves Los Angeles Lakers Game with Back Contusion
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During the third quarter of the Dallas Mavericks' matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, star rookie big man Dereck Lively II went down with what appeared to be a leg injury. He had to leave the game and wasn't able to put any pressure on his leg as he left the floor with the help of his teammates.
The Mavs have since provided an update that Lively suffered a back contusion, and he won't return to the game.
Dereck Lively dunks on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
In 19 minutes, Lively had two points, 10 rebounds and three assists. For the season, the 19-year-old center has been one of the more impressive rookies in the league, averaging 8.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while helping the Mavs to a 9-5 record.
Veteran center Richaun Holmes has filled in admirably for Lively, but if the Mavs want to be a serious contender this season, they need to hope their only rim protector doesn't have to miss much time. Stay tuned to DallasBasketball.com for more updates throughout the night.
