3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' chippy Game 3 win over Clippers

3. Stud - Dereck Lively II

In Game 1, Dereck Lively II only finished with three points, but he did end up with three blocks and four rebounds. He then followed that up with seven points and nine rebounds in Game 2 and was a huge force off the bench. He played so well that Jason Kidd could have even considered starting him in Game 3, but Kidd ended up rolling with Gafford.

Tonight, Lively II finished with 13 points, two rebounds, and two blocks while shooting 6-8 from the field. He did most of his damage in the first half of this game, and his presence down low as a shot blocker was huge.

In the previous two games (especially the first game), Dallas struggled to stop Ivica Zubac down low, but Lively II did much better than Gafford when guarding him. He was playing with physicality and not backing down, and that's exactly what the Mavs need out of Lively II.

In Game 3, Lively II had such a great start due to his availability as a dunker and his ability to catch and finish lobs. This has been Lively II's bread and butter all season, and this continued into Game 3 in a big way.

Lively II playing this well during a tough time in his life as his mother passed away this month shows the type of player and young man he is. Everyone in Dallas has spoken highly of Lively II all season long and he never shies away from the big moment when the lights are at their brightest.