Dereck Lively II Expected to Return for Mavs vs. Suns Christmas Day Game

Mavs rookie Dereck Lively spoke about having a "great" shootaround in Phoenix as he tests out his ankle to potentially play against the Suns.

PHOENIX — As the Dallas Mavericks prepared to face the Phoenix Suns on Monday, Dereck Lively II began the day listed as questionable as he continues to work his way back from a left ankle sprain. He was upgraded from out on Sunday as the team traveled to Arizona before their Christmas Day matchup. 

Lively suffered his injury on Dec. 16 in the first quarter of a road win over the Portland Trail Blazers, ending his performance after roughly six minutes of action. He remained sidelined for the team's following four matchups while aiming to return against the Suns on Monday. 

"This is a great shootaround, being able to feel out my ankle, being able to feel out what I can do," Lively said at Monday's shootaround. "Now, it's just getting myself ready for later, potentially being able to play and taking it step-by-step, hour-by-hour."

Dereck Lively II (questionable, left ankle sprain) said at the Dallas Mavericks' shootaround in Phoenix that he is taking it "step-by-step, hour-by-hour" ahead of "potentially being able to play" against the Suns.

Read more on https://t.co/sJ63ZWBDrf soon. pic.twitter.com/svWhs0qbob

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) December 25, 2023

Lively is expected to play after going through full big man drills at the Mavs' shootaround, doing everything between shooting free throws, working on finishing touch, moving actively as a rim roller, and simulating dribble handoffs. 

Dereck Lively II went through full big man drills at shootaround in Phoenix. He looked just like normal when healthy. pic.twitter.com/JkxWgggT32

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) December 25, 2023

When evaluating the Suns as a matchup, a few focuses that jump out include Kevin Durant and Devin Booker at the forefront of their offense. While Phoenix will not be with Jusuf Nurkic in the lineup due to personal reasons, Lively understands the importance of continuing to hone in on the details. 

"They have a great offensive team, a lot of ways to score, a lot of ways to get the ball in the basket," Lively said. "We must be vigilant and know what's going on in the court at all times and be able to talk it out."

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

"Offense is our best defense, so we're going to be able to try to hit our shots," Lively explained. "I'm going to be able to try to move the ball and try to be able to run down the court."

With the Suns not having Nurkic, there is a possibility they will encounter more small-ball lineups from the opponent. Lively places a strong importance on moving his feet, staying in a stance, and not fouling unnecessarily. Maximizing his availability by not getting into foul trouble is a priority. 

"Moving my feet, being in a stance and knowing when to foul, when not to foul, when to be aggressive, when not to be aggressive," Lively said. "My team does better whenever I'm in the game, so I want to try to be in the game for as long as possible."

Mavs Injury Updates: Kyrie Irving OUT for Christmas Day vs. Suns; Dereck Lively II Back?

As Lively has seen more small-ball lineups in his NBA experience as a rookie, he feels he's earned the trust of his coaches and teammates to handle that type of personnel. 

"I really just think my teammates and my coaches trust me when I make decisions," Lively said. "Sometimes I'll have four fouls, and then we'll be in it with five guards on the floor. They know I'll make the right, right defensive read, and reasonable offensive floor, and being able to stay out of foul trouble is the main thing."

More updates are expected to come regarding Lively's status when coach Jason Kidd speaks to reporters in pre-game media availability. Check back with DallasBasketball.com for more updates.