Blue Devil Country

Former Duke Basketball Center Puts Warriors Forward on Poster

Duke basketball product Dereck Lively II continues to soar in his NBA rookie campaign.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

On Saturday night, the Dallas Mavericks improved to 5-1 this season when their 2022-23 Duke basketball one-and-done, Dereck Lively II, posts a double-double. The 7-foot-1, 230-pound rookie center finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds across his 35 minutes of action in a 132-122 road win over the Golden State Warriors.

He finished 5-for-7 from the field and 2-for-3 at the line, bouncing back from his combined six points and eight boards in back-to-back Dallas losses earlier in the week.

Lively's liveliest Saturday night score was a statement slam to give the Mavericks a 62-50 lead with under a minute to play before halftime. It came off a pick-and-roll with Dallas star Luka Doncic, who delivered an alley-oop dime to Lively at the expense of Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis.

RELATED: NBA Star Heaps Praise on Former Blue Devil Big Man

In the following posted highlight of Lively's dunk, the Dallas Mavericks asks, "Anyone got a frame for this poster?"

Through his 27 outings this season, Dereck Lively II, who came off the board at No. 12 overall to Dallas at the 2023 NBA Draft, is averaging 9.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 73.3 percent from the field.

NBA.com places the mere 19-year-old at No. 5 in the Rookie of the Year race.

The Mavericks (19-14), No. 6 in the Western Conference standings, remain on the road to face the Utah Jazz (14-19) at 9 p.m. ET Monday.

List of Every Blue Devil Currently in the NBA

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/NBA Blue Devils