Dallas Mavericks Rookie Takes Brutal Knee To The Head From Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns

Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively — a key to the Mavs' success in the Western Conference finals — took a nasty knee to the back of the head, with major questions surrounding the center's return.

Lively absorbed the knee from Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns during a secondvquarter rebound attempt. The rookie was on the ground when KAT went for the board, hitting Lively on the way up. Teammates huddled around Lively as he lay on the ground for a few minutes, evidently shaken up.

Lively put an arm over teammate Markieff Morris as he gingerly walked off the court and to the locker room. He exited with six points, two rebounds and two assists in nine minutes.

DALLAS, TX - MAY 26: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 26, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

Dallas' immediate concerns turned to Lively's health and whether he could return healthily.

WATCH:

Faced with a lengthier Minnesota Timberwolves roster, the Mavericks have relied on the 7-foot-1 Lively to help Dallas gain an edge on the boards.

So far, the Mavs have out-rebounded the Timberwolves in each Western Conference finals series game.

Luka Doncic and the Mavericks can land in a comfortable situation with a win on Sunday. Dallas stole Games 1 and 2 at Target Center this week, taking a 2-0 series lead. Lively amassed 20 rebounds in the first two games. Lively and fellow big man Daniel Gafford stepped into bigger roles this postseason after the Mavs lost Maxi Kleber to a right shoulder injury in the first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers. 

Lively has also been a boon for the surging Mavericks defense. During Sunday's game, the American Airlines Center crowd cheered the 20-year-old for his All-Rookie Second Team recognition this season.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 22: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks look on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 22, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Check back with OutKick after the game.

Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Send a message: alejandro.avila@outkick.com