Mavs rookie Dereck Lively II leaves Game 3 of West finals after taking knee to head


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DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II didn't return to Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against Minnesota due to a sprained neck after getting hit in the back of the head by a knee from Karl-Anthony Towns. The accidental contact caused Lively's head to snap forward. Coach Jason Kidd didn't have an update on Lively after the 116-107 victory that gave Dallas a 3-0 series lead. The rookie from Duke was down for several minutes and appeared dazed as he was helped off the court. The 20-year-old Lively and starting center Daniel Gafford have played big roles for the Mavs in the postseason.

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