How has rookie Derek Lively II contributed to the Mavs' journey towards Finals?

Dallas’ success can be attributed to many factors, including an explosive offensive duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving; acquisition of Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington before trade deadline; as well as development of first round prized rookie Dereck Lively II.
At 7-foot-1, she earned selection to the All-Rookie second team after posting averages of 8.8 points while shooting 74.7 percent from the field while adding 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game in regular season play.
But most important of all, Doncic has won over team leaders as an energetic lob threat and rim protector who’s proved himself essential to Mavericks success.

Dereck Lively—20 year-old rookie center whom many thought wouldn’t produce quickly but instead is now one of the key contributors on a Finals squad…
7-1 without shoes; impressive in both rim defense & rebounding, elite vertical spacing ability, short roll passing prowess & Luka support! pic.twitter.com/uAFxuxe6xg for reference (@NBA_University). May 31st 2020 2024 at NBA University

“He is exactly the player you would hope Luka to have,” commented GM Nico Harrison of Doncic as an ideal mentor and pick-and-roll orchestrator in the league. Harrison further elaborated, saying it could even make sense for Doncic to become one of their veterans rather than rookies; yet “Doncic remains his role model”.
Since Lively first made his mark during this campaign, Slovenian has lauded his young star’s contributions – especially during playoff games – with great intensity. Dereck Lively displayed some incredible numbers during Game 6 closeout win versus Thunder: 12 points and 15 rebounds! “This kid is incredible!” Slovenian said after that stellar display by Dereck Lively as rookie – 12 points with 15 rebounds!
Lively has expressed his excitement to join Luka and Kyrie Irving before coming to Texas, while Dallas remains his preferred location.
“When I looked at the draft, this spot stood out because it would give me the best opportunity for success,” he explained to reporters. “Here I could learn and just be myself; something which has happened throughout this journey and helped me grow as an individual. Now it appears as though my decision may have paid dividends.” Now it seems if there’s been an ideal match made.
Luka Doncic could instantly recognize Dereck Lively II was an ideal addition to his offseason team from their initial meeting during training camp.
Victor Wembanyama may have garnered all of the headlines during his inaugural NBA season, yet other rookie players like Dereck Lively II from Dallas Mavericks have proven just as impactful within their respective rosters.
Although Spurs and Thunder big men were ultimately victorious in snagging Rookie of the Year honors, Dallas have found an ace for future center of their own: 7-foot-1 athlete Dereck could become their center. Dereck immediately won over club superstar Luka Doncic with his performance on court.
Jason Kidd reports that upon meeting for the first time in September, their connection was almost instantaneous, as Slovenian realized how easily he could run around court, find open spaces and dunk almost any ball handed him by Jason Kidd’s tactician team. It “began in September”, Kidd wrote.
Kidd commented, “Luka was very quick to recognize Lively as someone able to catch and finish passes, something he needed in a quarterback / receiver relationship,” Kidd stated. This fostered trust between QB Luke Falk and Lively from Day 1, leading them toward becoming closer as time progressed.