Mavericks’ Derek Lively II exits game vs. Timberwolves after knee strikes head, possible concussion

Dallas Mavericks Rookie Derek Lively II has left Sunday’s game against Minnesota The Timberwolves were out early after suffering a potential concussion.

Lively was knocked to the ground after being accidentally hit in the head by Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns with a knee during the second quarter of the game at the American Airlines Center.

Mike Conley was driving for a shot and Towns was scrambling for an offensive rebound when the 20-year-old fell and his knee struck his head.

Lively lay on the floor for several minutes before being helped to his feet and back to the locker room for treatment of his concussion.

He has six points so far in Game 3 of the Mavericks’ Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves, and he has helped the team both offensively and defensively as they have made their way deeper into the playoffs this season.

Dallas Mavericks center Derek Lively II exited Sunday’s playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves early due to a possible concussion.

Lively lay on the floor for several minutes before being helped up and taken back to the locker room.

The center is 12-for-12 from the field in this series, including three in Game 3 when he was injured.

It’s unclear if Lively will return, but it looks likely he will be treated for a concussion.

Dallas took a 2-0 lead into Game 3 on Sunday, fueled by Luka Doncic’s heroics on Friday night.

As time expired, Doncic began to find space, using a screen to draw Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert to the top of the key, then dribbled across and prepared for a step-back three-pointer.

The Slovenian superstar hit the game-winning shot with three seconds left to record his fifth triple-double of the postseason, leading the Mavericks to a 109-108 win over the Timberwolves.

“I just tried to get back to my spot and back off. I was confident in that shot,” Doncic said.

Doncic had 32 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds for his eighth triple-double in 42 career playoff games for the Mavericks, who erased an 18-point deficit late in the second quarter but still trailed by 16 midway through the third.