Dereck Lively II performed admirably in the Rising Stars Challenge

Dereck Lively II didn’t take long to share with everyone nearby what he will remember most about Lively’s performance at 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 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 whole complexion of that contest by scoring a team-high six points and controlling the paint.

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 bunch of 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.