Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II left Sunday’s playoff game against the Timberwolves after accidentally taking a knee in the back of the head from Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns.
The incident occurred in the second quarter with Dallas ahead, 43-33. Lively fell backward toward the court after contesting a missed jump shot by Mike Conley. As he fell onto the field, the back of his head struck Towns’ right knee as Towns jumped in an attempt to control the ball.
Lively’s head snapped forward and he remained on the field for several moments. Eventually he was able to get up and leave the field with the help of teammates. He was clearly dizzy and headed straight to the locker room.
There was no immediate update on his status, but he appeared unable to return to court.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
