INDIANAPOLIS – It didn’t take Dereck Lively II long to tell anyone within listening distance what he’ll remember the most about
playing in Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“My first dunk,” Lively proudly said. “Being able to come out here and actually score the ball, and being able to get comfortable with the mask on is amazing.
“I didn’t know how the game was going to go, I didn’t know what type of defense and what type of offense we were going to play. We just went out there and played basketball.”
Playing for Team Jalen, Lively scored a team-best six points on three-of-three field goals as his squad defeated Team Detlef in the championship game, 26-13. He also was very effective in the 40-35 semifinals victory over Team Tamika, who led, 11-2, before Lively entered the game and changed the complexion of that contest with six points on three-of-three field goals.
Lively played both games while wearing a mask for the second time since he returned from having surgery on his nose on Feb. 5. The added gear certainly didn’t affect his play as he was all over the court and having a unique impact on the game, especially in the semifinals when he had a plus/minus of plus 23 against Team Tamika.
“Each time I put on the mask it got more comfortable,” Lively said. “Going out there and getting three lobs in both games – two lobs and a put-back in one of the game — being able to go out there and have fun, there’s nothing better like that in the world.
“You’re going out there with a different team, you’re going out there with a group of guys that haven’t played together. You just got to go out 
there and have fun and enjoy yourself, and that’s what we did.”
Although he definitely could have been in the conversation, Lively wasn’t even concerned about possibly being named the Most Valuable Player of the Rising Stars game, which went to Bennedict Mathurin of the hometown Indiana Pacers.
“I’m not worried about the MVP and all that,” Lively said. “I’m just going out there and trying to make sure we get the W, trying to make a show for the people – for the people who’s watching us and the people who came to the game.”
Lively was even more talkative Friday than he’s been during Mavs’ games. But for good reasons.
“There are a lot of people who I know out there, there’s a lot of people who I grew up with, played against, rivals,” he said. “Just being able to go out there and compete against them at this level, it’s kind of just a moment where you just got to laugh.
“I remember when we were in the eighth grade playing against each other and now we’re in the Rising Stars game. So, to be able to be here enjoying yourself and walk off with a smile is an amazing thing. Just being able to see our paths kind of come together is an amazing thing.”
The highlight for Lively on this memorable day is also something he would describe as amazing.
“I would definitely say I had an interview with me and my mom, and you guys are going to see that next week, so I’m not going to say with who,” he said. “So, just being able to do an interview with my mom, that’s hilarious. It’s on ESPN.
“At this level, this is the first time I’ve ever done anything like that. Being able to see my mom getting some spotlight makes her feel good, so I’m happy.”
Lively, in addition, is happy that his journey in the NBA has taken him down a path to where he’s listed among the best first-year players in the NBA. Yet, he knows this is only the beginning of a career that will consist of numerous steppingstones.
“It’s a lot of ups and downs, but the lesson that you’ve got to learn is to always have fun with it,” Lively said. “No matter what city, no matter what day, no matter what time of day, you’ve got to be able to enjoy the little moments and the bad moments.
“There’s a lot of things that go on each day, and the days stack up. So just being able to just come out here with a smile is amazing.”
Lively plans to stick around for All-Star Saturday, and is particularly intrigued with the three-point contest between Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty.
“I saw Sabrina and I gave her a hug and I wished her the best of luck,” Lively said. “I’m waiting to see who’s going to come out on top with that one.
“I would say that was the one that had me shocked. She was like, ‘Thank you for wearing my shoes.’ I’m like, ‘Of course. Thank you for making them that comfortable.’ “
Indeed, Lively had a very comfortable night on Friday. A night he will never forget.
BRIEFLY: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons was named Most Valuable Player of the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity game. Parsons finished with 37 points, 16 rebounds and four steals as Team Shannon beat Team Stephen A, 100-91. Parsons dazzled the crowd with an array of dunks and several downhill drives to the basket. Parsons finished the game converting 17 of his 31 field goal attempts.
X: @DwainPrice
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