Dereck Lively gives SAVAGE response to settle Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic debate

Dereck Lively II made a clear choice when he was questioned about his teammate Luka Doncic and OKC star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Dereck Lively gives SAVAGE response to settle Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic debate

Dereck Lively II picks Luka Doncic over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The 2023-24 NBA season saw immense competition throughout the whole year. Notably, one of the players that stood out was the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is now compared to 5x All-NBA First Team Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. Former NBA player Theo Pinson and Mavericks’ center Dereck Lively II had a major discussion about SGA and Doncic recently.

Theo Pinson asked Lively who has a deeper bag among Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the Nike EYBL. In recent times, many have pitted SGA against Doncic. Some believe Gilgeous-Alexander should have won the MVP last season over Doncic and eventual winner Nikola Jokic. As such, the discussion between Pinson and Lively remains important. However, Dereck Lively had a savage answer.

 Imma be honest, who won that matchup?
Dereck Lively via Nike EYBL
YouTube video

Lively said the Mavs’ second-round playoff triumph over the Thunder showed Doncic is way ahead of the OKC star. The Mavericks lost the first game but soon gained momentum. They finished off the Thunder in six games to proceed to the Western Conference Finals. However, one must note that Gilgeous-Alexander was on fire against the Mavs despite being on the losing side.

FS Video

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. In terms of pure productivity, the OKC star undoubtedly outperformed Doncic in that series. Still, his lack of offensive inventiveness as a guard meant he couldn’t lift his teammates as Doncic could. The duo has the potential to compete in many playoff series over the years. Only time will tell if it happens.

RELATED
“Skill level as big is incredible!” Mavericks legend manifests Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic ending careers in Dallas
Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic

Dereck Lively II makes an honest admission regarding teammate Luka Doncic

During the 2024 NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics, the Mavs rookie Dereck Lively II showed great maturity despite trailing in the series. Notably, Luka Doncic was criticized heavily for complaining to the referees throughout the games in the NBA Finals.

Concerning this, Doncic’s teammate Lively II made an honest admission regarding how one “message” changed everything. The message showcased the potential of Lively as a long-term leader for the Mavericks and a trusted partner for superstar Doncic on the court.

He (Luka Doncic) trusts us…The first two times you get fouled, don’t say nothing to the refs, that’s all I got. Just please don’t do that.
Dereck Lively via post-match conference

It’s important to note that Lively’s message did wonders for Doncic’s performance in Game 4 against the Celtics, scoring 29 points to win the game. Doncic barely protested to the refs in Game 4, and his teammates’ wish for him to minimize his complaints to the referees came to fruition.

This was a significant step in the right direction for Doncic. Nevertheless, the Mavs ended up losing to the Celtics in Game 5. They will now look to make amends for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. As long as Lively develops into a valuable piece with Doncic, the sky is the limit for the Dallas Mavericks.

In Case You Missed It: