Derrick Jones Jr. and Dereck Lively II (Image source Getty Images)
On Saturday, the Dallas Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference finals with a thrilling win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game 6 of the semifinal playoffs. Mavericks’ victory was led by Derrick Jones Jr. and Dereck Lively II, whose exceptional performances in the final three games against OKC significantly influenced the team’s win. Derrick Jones Jr. had impressive stats with 19.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.0 BPG, 65 FG%, 48.9 3P%, and 31.6 MPG. On the other hand, Dereck Lively II’s stats were 10.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.0 BPG, 67 FG%, and 26.0 MPG.

Derrick Jones Jr. and PJ Washington Shine Bright in Game-Winning Performance

Dereck Lively II made history by becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score ten or more points and grab 15 or more rebounds in a single postseason game. He put in an outstanding effort against the Thunder and has performed admirably throughout the series. In Game 3, he played a crucial role in the Dallas’ victory by making critical free throws late. In the Western Conference semifinals, he averaged 8.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. After the game, the Mavericks’ star player, Luka Doncic, praised Derrick Jones Jr. for his support during the team’s crucial moments.

“We can’t describe it, man. He(PJ Washington) and D. Jones, those are our dogs. And therefore, they’re amazing. Every game, [they] never complain once, never nothing. Just play hard.” Doncic said during a post-game interview.

In Game 6, the Mavericks overcame a 17-point deficit in the second half to secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals. Critical contributions from Derrick Jones Jr. and PJ Washington were evident throughout the game. Washington sealed the Thunder’s triumph with a game-winning free throw with 2.5 seconds left. Jones scored a comeback basket in the crucial moments, giving the Mavericks the lead they needed to upset a tough Thunder team with less than a minute remaining.