Game 38 Dirkie Thread: Dereck Lively

[Reunion Mav]

This game was all but lost until Lively stepped up like crazy. He had 13 points in the last 5 minutes and was the primary reason why Portland was held to only 1 FG in the final FIVE minutes. The lone shot being the Camara dunk when the game was out of reach.


His defensive effort was incredible. The type of defense that deserves those lofty KG comparisons. He finally had a game where the Mavs actually fed him and Lively delivered. 21 points on 9-13 shooting. I seriously hope this was a catalyst for Kidd to conjure up more ways to get Lively the ball. The fact that Kidd in his post game presser mentioned they are going to start letting Lively shoot 3s soon makes me hopeful it is.

It’s hard to mention this win without Grimes and Hardy as well. Grimes also had an incredible defensive performance to close this game, with his highlight being that steal on Simons. It’s crazy to me we have such a weapon off the bench.

Hardy carried this team for the first 3 quarters. When he gets hot, there are not many players more fun to watch.

Overall, sloppy game. But when it mattered most the Mavs pulled through even when injury riddled. Lively for the dirkie. Great game.

Love the refusal to quit from several guys and love Lively and Grimes. However, Hardy is shockingly above my expectations due to less disastrous plays and great shooting. Hardy gets my vote.