Dereck Lively II silences Doncic-Gilgeous-Alexander debate with four-word bombshell

When playing in the NBA, player rivalries are something that start whether they are intentional or not.

Playing against each other multiple times per season combined with the outside media noise creates plenty of narratives, and the Dallas Mavericks are no stranger to that.

Luka Doncic and Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are two players who fans and media alike always seem to compare, and that will likely continue for as long as they're both in the league.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic are both young superstar guards on two of the top contenders in the Western Conference and while an argument can be made for each of them about who is the future king of the West, Dereck Lively II said otherwise.

Dereck Lively II ends Luka Doncic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander debate

In an appearance on Nike EYBL's "Free Game," former Maverick Theo Pinson asked Lively II who has the deeper "bag" between Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic. As expected, Lively II came to the defense of his Mavericks teammate.

"Who won that matchup?"

Lively II's response was simple, but he got his point across to Pinson quickly.

Dallas defeated the Thunder in six games in the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, and Doncic led his team past the No. 1 seed despite being hobbled in that series.

Doncic still managed to average 24.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game against the Thunder in the playoffs despite having to deal with a couple of injuries, and Lively II held his own in this series as well.

In the final two games of the series, Lively II dropped back-to-back double-doubles, and he was key for the Mavs all playoffs long. He and Doncic's connection on the floor continues to grow as Doncic has helped turn him into one of the best roll men in the NBA, and their connection off the court doesn't lack either as evidenced by Lively II's statement.

Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander are primed to have plenty more great matchups considering that both teams' rosters are built to contend right now and for years to come, and all of the outside noise continues to hype up these matchups. Thunder fans already aren't fond of Doncic, and this rivalry between the two superstars is only getting started.

Gilgeous-Alexander beat out Doncic for second place in MVP voting last season, and they'll both be near the top of the voting once again this season. It also helps that the Paycom Center is the closest away stadium to Dallas, and fans from either team can easily travel to support their team on the road.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic will have heated battles against one another until one of them retires, and although some people may try to say Gilgeous-Alexander has the edge over Doncic, Lively II made where he stands on this debate clear.