“That’s how we do it boy” - Dereck Lively heard being hyped in behind-the-scenes audio after fulfilling promise to his mom

The Dallas Mavericks found the perfect fit with Dereck Lively as the 7-foot center rookie helped the team reach the Western Conference finals in the 2024 NBA playoffs after losing to the Golden State Warriors in five in 2022. Dallas beat the OKC Thunder 117-116 on Saturday and will face the winner of the Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.

After the game, Dereck Lively could be seen heading to the locker room, where he can be heard yelling excitedly:

“That’s how we do it boy!”

His moment of enthusiasm doesn't come only from beating the OKC Thunder, but when asked what gave him the confidence to take on OKC, Dereck Lively said,

"I know my mama got me. She's watching me. I know she's telling me to make the damn free throws, so I gotta step up and make them."

Lively's mother, Kathy Drysdale, a major influence in his life, passed away last month after a decade-long battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Kathy, who was also his first coach and a legendary college basketball player, had the same competitive spirit as other NBA athletes. Dereck knew she would have wanted him to embrace the challenge rather than shy away from it.

Dereck Lively was key in the series for Dallas Mavericks

Playing at the American Airlines Center in front of thousands of Mavericks fans, the Thunder seemed to have no answer for Luka Doncic and his team in Game 3. In a desperate attempt to disrupt Dallas’ rhythm and secure a road win, Mark Daigneault employed the Hack-a-Lively strategy on Dereck Lively.

Initially hesitant and trying to avoid getting fouled, the rookie stepped up during crunch time, derailing OKC’s late game plan. Later, he revealed two major reasons for his turnaround, including hearing his beloved mother’s voice urging him on.

Despite being a 50% shooter from the free-throw line in the regular season, Lively did not let his stats define his performance in Game 3. Surprisingly, eight of his twelve points came from the charity stripe.

The Mavericks clinched the series in Game 6 at home against the top-seeded Thunder, mirroring their first-round victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Dallas overcame a 17-point deficit in the third quarter.

The thrilling fourth quarter featured five lead changes and two ties in the final five minutes after Oklahoma City had dominated almost the entire game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with a playoff season-high 36 points. Jalen Williams contributed 22 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while Chet Holmgren added 21 points.