Mavericks' Lively Suffers Neck Sprain in Game 3
Unintentional knee from Towns causes injury
Lively's status for Game 4 uncertain
DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II suffered a neck sprain in the second quarter of Sunday's Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves after taking a knee to the head from Karl-Anthony Towns.
The injury occurred with 6:39 remaining in the second quarter. Towns was attempting to post up Lively when he inadvertently struck the rookie center in the neck and back of the head with his knee. Lively immediately fell to the court and was helped off by the Mavericks' training staff.
Lively did not return to the game, and his status for Game 4 on Tuesday is uncertain. The Mavericks announced that Lively will undergo further evaluation on Monday.
The injury is a significant blow to the Mavericks, who are already without starting point guard Luka Doncic due to a calf strain. Lively has been a key contributor for Dallas in the playoffs, averaging 10.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
The Timberwolves took advantage of Lively's absence in the second half, outscoring the Mavericks by 15 points in the third quarter to take a commanding lead. Minnesota eventually won the game 116-95 to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals is scheduled for Tuesday night in Dallas.
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