Dereck Lively II, Luka Doncic (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

Dereck Lively II has earned nothing but praise from Luka Doncic during the Dallas Mavericks’ run to the Western Conference finals. In Game 6, the Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder with a thrilling comeback victory at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

According to the NBA website, Doncic scored 29 points, grabbed 10 rebounds. He also dished out 10 assists to lead the Mavericks in a 17-point comeback victory. After a slow start, Kyrie Irving picked up the pace in the second half to end with 22 points, three rebounds, and four assists.

Dereck Lively II was a key component of the Mavs’ 117-116 victory as he came off the bench to score 12 points and pull down 15 rebounds. Luka Doncic gave the following statement regarding Lively to ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth following the game:

“Yeah, we don’t win this series without D-Live. He’s been playing amazing. A rookie, not being scared, it’s insane how he play, how he impacts the game, so just amazing, man.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander endeavored to thwart the Mavs’ comeback. However, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving made sure the team was back in the game. Despite finishing with 36 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks, SGA was unable to keep the Thunder from losing.

Luka Doncic and the Mavericks Will Now Prepare for the Conference Finals

Regardless matter the outcome of the Denver Nuggets-Minnesota Timberwolves series, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks will be traveling for Games 1 and 2. The Mavericks do not have homecourt advantage because they are the fifth seed.

The Mavs’ season series versus both clubs was not entirely dominating. They have a record of 1-2 versus the Nuggets and 1-3 against the Timberwolves. Thanks to a game-winning basket from Kyrie Irving, they did defeat the reigning champs in a thrilling victory.

It was clear from the beginning of the Western Conference playoffs that the Oklahoma City Thunder were desperate to avoid losing in the semifinals. They had a great start under Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership, winning the opening quarter 30-23.