NBA star Luka Dončić couldn’t hold back his enthusiasm for Dereck Lively II after Lively’s impressive league debut on Wednesday night. During the Dallas Mavericks’ game against San Antonio, Dončić, 24, accidentally let an f-bomb slip on ESPN while praising his new teammate. “He didn’t seem like he was nervous, he played f—ing amazing,” Dončić said, visibly blushing afterward.
Lively, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft from Duke, delivered an outstanding performance, recording a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. This achievement overshadowed the much-anticipated debut of San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, who managed 15 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two assists after struggling with fouls.
The Mavericks secured a 126-119 victory, bolstered by Lively’s contributions and Dončić’s historic triple-double (33 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists). Dončić became only the third player in NBA history to achieve a 30-point triple-double in a season opener, joining legends Oscar Robertson and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lively’s debut also set records. He became the second player in NBA history to score 15-plus points and grab 10-plus rebounds with 85% or better shooting accuracy in his first game, missing only one shot to achieve an 87.5% field goal percentage.
This remarkable start to Lively’s career adds to the excitement for Spurs fans and NBA enthusiasts alike.
