Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is “really proud” of Dereck Lively II’s ongoing progress.

The Mavericks defeated the Suns on Christmas Day thanks in large part to the return of rookie Dereck Lively II to the starting lineup. “Really proud” of Lively’s development is Luka Doncic.

PHOENIX — The Dallas Mavericks had not won a game without Dereck Lively II in the starting lineup prior to their victory over an undermanned San Antonio Spurs team that had lost Victor Wembanyama to an ankle injury during the pregame. Up until then, the Mavs had a 0–5 record; a decisive victory put an end to the losing streak.

“I think we hadn’t won a game until the last game, so just I think shows the importance of what he brings to us as a 19-year-old rookie on both sides of the floor,” Kidd said regarding Lively. “I think we’re all happy to have him back.”

During the Mavs’ Monday morning shootaround in Phoenix, Lively tested his ankle before deciding he could play. His influence could be seen in the 124–112 win against the Suns. He finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, but his field goal percentage was an impressive 8-9, even though he only made 4-9 free throws. Throughout the night, he consistently gave a team that didn’t have that impact the rim protection they needed.

“We can’t forget what Dereck Lively means to us tonight,” Kidd stated. “This kid is only 19 years old, so it’s impressive that he can even make plays, let alone finish again. We discussed, uh, his free throws. I told him he would eventually get to the free throw line again, and he made those two. For us tonight, he was significant.”