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‘Everything Is Scripted’: Dallas Mavericks’ Plan For Dereck Lively II’s Limited Minutes Against Utah Jazz Explained

Grant AfsethGrant Afsethno comment
Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, NBA
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

Dereck Lively II’s brief appearance in the Dallas Mavericks’ 114–101 preseason win over the Utah Jazz wasn’t a sign of concern — it was part of the plan.

Head coach Jason Kidd confirmed Tuesday that Lively’s eight-minute stint was fully scripted as the Mavericks manage minutes and evaluate rotation combinations ahead of Wednesday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jason Kidd: “Everything Is Scripted”

When asked whether Lively’s limited run was planned, Kidd made it clear there was no injury setback behind the decision.

“Yeah, everything is scripted,” Kidd said following Tuesday’s practice at T-Mobile Arena. “Lively had an eight-minute script with that first group to see him in that rotation. He did great. So yes, that was the plan to limit him yesterday.”

Lively started alongside Anthony Davis in the team’s jumbo lineup, which also featured Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, and Klay Thompson. Kidd said the staff wanted to evaluate that combination early before turning attention toward ramping up Davis’ workload.

“The first group was really good on both sides of the ball,” Kidd said. “The pace was good, and defensively, to have a rating of 99 was really good. That means those guys were playing at a high level.”

Dallas Mavericks Continue to Ramp Up

With one preseason game remaining, Kidd said the Mavericks plan to increase playing time for key contributors as the team continues building conditioning and chemistry.

“Everybody’s minutes will go up tomorrow,” Kidd said. “Going into this being our last preseason game, we’ll try to get those guys extended minutes. Things were going well for AD, and we were looking to maybe get him into the fourth. Tomorrow, we’ll probably get everyone trending toward that fourth quarter.”

Davis, who posted 25 points and six rebounds in 25 minutes against Utah, said he feels confident in his rhythm as he and the team continue adjusting to assistant coach Jay Triano’s fast-paced offensive system.

“I feel good,” Davis said. “Still got some things to clean up, still working on things, but overall, I think myself and the team feel really good about where we are.”

The Mavericks’ injury report is beginning to improve as preseason winds down. Kidd said Caleb Martin and Brandon Williams both completed practice Tuesday, while Danté Exum, Daniel Gafford, and Kyrie Irving remain out.

“Caleb and Brandon Williams went through practice,” Kidd said. “The guys who didn’t were Danté Exum, Daniel Gafford, and Kyrie Irving. We’ll see how Caleb feels tomorrow and then we’ll make that call, but I thought he did a good job for his first day back.”

What’s Next

Lively is expected to see an increased workload in Wednesday’s preseason finale against the Lakers as the Mavericks finalize rotations before opening night on Oct. 22 against the San Antonio Spurs. Kidd emphasized that the focus will be on conditioning, rhythm, and evaluating lineup versatility.

“Everything was good yesterday, so now we’ll see if we can be consistent and carry it into tomorrow,” Kidd said.

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Tags :Anthony DavisCooper FlaggDallas MavericksDereck Lively IIJason KiddKlay ThompsonNBANBA NewsP.J. Washington

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Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.
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