Lively Finds Strength in NBA Play-Offs After Losing His Mom to Cancer

In the world of professional basketball, few stories touch the heart like that of Dereck Lively II. As the 7-foot-1 center for the Dallas Mavericks, Dereck's journey to the NBA Finals has been nothing short of inspirational, deeply rooted in the love and support of his late mother, Kathy Drysdale.

A Mother’s Love and Support

From the earliest stages of Dereck's life, Kathy was a pillar of support, recognizing his talent and dedicating herself to fostering his potential. Her role was instrumental in Dereck's growth, both as an athlete and as an individual. She was a constant presence at every game and practice, offering her unwavering support and cheering him on.

A Heartbreaking Loss

Tragically, Kathy passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 53, after an 11-year battle with cancer. Her loss was a profound blow to Dereck, who was on the cusp of making his mark in the NBA. The grief was immense, but so was his determination to honor his mother's memory by pursuing the dream they had shared. Kathy's strength and spirit became the driving force behind Dereck's commitment to basketball, propelling him to new heights in his career.

“My heart breaks saying goodbye to the most important person in the world to me, my best friend, my superhero, my biggest cheerleader and mom, Kathy Drysdale,” Dereck posted on social media. “There is no one in this world that can love you more than your mother. As strong and stubborn as she is, I have watched her struggle, fight and survive cancer for the past 11 years and now her battle has ended.”

— Dereck Lively

Historic Performance on the Court

Lively II has made history on the court since then. Most of the attention during the Western Conference Finals was focused on Dallas' dynamic backcourt duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. However, Lively, a rookie center, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first player in NBA history to shoot a perfect 100 percent from the field in an entire series. Lively made all 16 of his shots, meaning every shot he took in the series resulted in a score. This is the highest number of field goals attempted without a miss in any playoff series in the history of the NBA.

Despite missing Game 4 due to a sprained neck, Lively went 4-of-4 in Game 1, 6-of-6 in Game 2, 3-of-3 in Game 3, and 3-of-3 in Game 5, leaving him with a perfect 16-of-16 record for the series. Including the previous series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Lively has made 21 straight field goals, passing Chris Andersen for the longest such streak in the playoffs since the play-by-play era.

Key Player for the Mavericks

The 20-year-old center has been one of Dallas's many crucial bench players this postseason. In 15 playoff games, Lively has averaged 8.5 points off the bench, providing the Mavericks with much-needed scoring outside of Doncic and Irving. His importance to Dallas' squad is tough to overestimate. Doncic knows how integral Lively is; the Slovenian tried to hand the rookie his "Earvin' Magic' Johnson Trophy," awarded to the Western Conference Finals MVP, after Game 5.

Honoring His Mother’s Legacy

As Dereck Lively II steps onto the court for the NBA Finals, he carries with him the legacy of his mother's love and sacrifice. Her influence is evident in his every move, from his disciplined approach in training to his unwavering focus during games. The Finals represent not just the height of his career thus far but a tribute to the woman who inspired him to reach for greatness. While celebrating the Game 5 victory, Lively posted on Instagram, "Just keep watching from above."

Dereck's story powerfully reminds us that behind every athlete's success lies a journey filled with personal challenges. His rise to the NBA Finals is not just a testament to his talent but to the enduring power of a mother's love. Dereck Lively II stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for fans, especially those who have faced their own hardships. As we watch him play, we celebrate not just an extraordinary athlete but a young man who has turned his pain into purpose and his dreams into reality.