Dereck Lively II

Accurate in assessing Dallas’ post-halftime struggles, the Mavericks’ play-by-play commentator — upon seeing his team surrender a 10-0 run out of the tunnel — delivered a well-said one-liner: “The Mavericks are in need of some juice.” Through first an emphatic swat, and then an always-creative through-the-air display on a lob, Dereck Lively II arrived bearing the sweet gifts required to end the metaphorical drought. Unlikely to complain about the visual ahead of him after both Memphis Grizzlies stay attached to his teammate on a pick-and-roll, Lively, in a don’t-mind-if-I-do type of approach, dashes towards the paint, requesting an alley-oop attempt through eye contact. Officially on the same page as his floor general, Lively levitates into a thrilling picture, injecting energy into the arena through an acrobatic reverse alley-oop throwdown. The Dallas Mavericks’ just-as-thrilling come-from-behind victory would arrive roughly a quarter-and-a-half later, but Lively’s artistry through the air proved constant throughout. In marking December 3, 2024 as one to remember, Lively contributed 17 points (on 7-of-10 shooting), 11 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and a +12 plus-minus.