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- Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II achieves a historic double-double in NBA Finals.
- Lively joins Magic Johnson as the only under-21 players with multiple Finals double-doubles.
- Mavericks aim to make a comeback against the Celtics, down 3-0 in the series.
- Lakers’ Lamar Odom expresses disdain for Celtics’ success and Paul Pierce’s enjoyment.
Mavericks’ Lively Makes NBA Finals History
In a thrilling turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks have staved off elimination in the NBA Finals, thanks in part to rookie center Dereck Lively II’s standout performance.
Lively’s impressive double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds in Game 4, following a similar feat in Game 3, has placed him alongside NBA legend Magic Johnson. They are now the only two players aged 20 or younger to record multiple double-doubles in NBA Finals history. Magic Johnson achieved this during his remarkable rookie season in 1980, leading the Lakers to victory with a series of double-doubles and a memorable 42-point game that launched him into superstardom.
As the Mavericks face the daunting challenge of overcoming a 3-0 series deficit against the Boston Celtics, Lively’s contributions are crucial. The team’s resilience and determination to make history are palpable, with the entire Lakers family, including Magic Johnson, rooting for their success against their long-time rivals, the Celtics.
Adding to the narrative, former Lakers forward Lamar Odom has openly expressed his aversion to the Celtics’ potential triumph and Paul Pierce’s delight in it. Odom, a two-time NBA champion with the Lakers, admits to feeling ‘sick’ at the thought of Pierce celebrating another Celtics championship, highlighting the enduring rivalry between the two storied franchises.
