3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' thrilling opening win over the Spurs

3. Stud - Dereck Lively II

One of the biggest topics coming into the season opener was if Jason Kidd would decide to start Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II.

Kidd decided to start Gafford, but the center that brought the league to notice in the Mavericks win was Lively II.

In an outstanding performance while being matched up with Victor Wembanyama, Lively II finished the game with 15 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and shot 6-8 from the floor in 28 minutes.

Lively II was great on both ends of the floor. On multiple possessions, there were times where he would completely take Wembanyama out of his comfort zone and either force a turnover, or a bad shot.

Offensively, it was obvious that Lively II has taken his game to the next level. From finishing lobs, to dropping dimes, to making left-handed shots, he was nothing short of impressive.

Lively II has spent much time in the offseason and preseason working with Mavericks assistant coach, Sean Sweeny, and former elite Maverick center, Tyson Chandler. Both have made an extreme impact in the leap Lively II has started to show inside of the paint.

Although Lively II isn't in the starting lineup, he's playing like an elite starting-caliber center.

If the 7-foot-1, 20-year-old center can keep up the outstanding effort on both ends of the floor, don't be shocked when he's thrown into conversations regarding winning the NBA Most Improved Player award.

Lively II will have to continue his dominance as he will have a tough matchup against Jusuf Nurkić this coming Saturday.