4 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' blowout win over Bucks in preseason finale

4. Stud - Dereck Lively II

After four preseason games, Dereck Lively II is looking like a star in the making for the Mavs. He improved nearly every part of his game over the summer, but the part of his game that shined the most against the Bucks was the thing that he worked hardest at this summer.

Becoming a better scorer in the paint.

Lively II is always asked about when he is going to start shooting threes in games, but he wants to become better down low before stretching his game beyond the 3-point line. The jumper is there, but Lively II wants to be a force down low first.

That's exactly what he was on Thursday night as he finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, and his touch in the paint was on full display. Lively II sunk multiple hook shots and floaters, and Jason Kidd said this is something we could see more of after the game.

Lively II's presence down low is some of the best rim protection that Mavs fans have ever seen, and he is playing like the true starting center moving forward.

Lively II's ability to score with his back to the basket could give Dallas' offense an entirely new dimension, and this will allow him to take the next step in his offensive game. Last season, most of his points came off lobs from Luka Doncic.

It looks like it'll be a different story this season though.