{"id":798,"date":"2024-10-28T14:00:43","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T18:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/kendrick-perkins-declares-mavs-center-the-top-defensive-big-in-the-nba\/"},"modified":"2024-10-28T14:00:46","modified_gmt":"2024-10-28T18:00:46","slug":"kendrick-perkins-declares-mavs-center-the-top-defensive-big-in-the-nba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/kendrick-perkins-declares-mavs-center-the-top-defensive-big-in-the-nba\/","title":{"rendered":"Kendrick Perkins Declares Mavs Center the Top Defensive Big in the NBA!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nThe Dallas Mavericks boast one of the NBA’s top emerging talents in center Dereck Lively II, who recently recorded his first 15\/10\/5 game in a thrilling matchup with Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Wembanyama found it tough to find his rhythm, as Lively\u2019s formidable presence in the paint forced him to settle for perimeter shots, diminishing his impact on the game.\n<\/p>\n

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\nFollowing his impressive performance, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins praised Lively on “NBA Countdown,” suggesting he “might be the best defensive big” currently in the league.\n<\/p>\n

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\n“That damn Dereck Lively,” began Perkins, “had a monster night, a double-double with six assists coming off the bench. It’s incredibly impactful to have such an athletic big who can play the lob and dunker’s spot so effectively. On defense, he could very well be the top defensive big in the game right now. His ability to anchor the defense and manage pick-and-rolls had Victor Wembanyama in serious trouble the way he defended him. I\u2019m telling you, this young man Dereck Lively really makes a difference.”\n<\/p>\n

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\nWhile Lively’s performance wasn\u2019t as dominant against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, his crucial role during last season’s playoffs significantly contributed to the Mavericks’ journey to the NBA Finals. He was named to the All-Rookie Second Team last season and, alongside Daniel Gafford, provides Dallas with one of the strongest center duos in the league.\n<\/p>\n

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\nREAD MORE: 3 Takeaways From Mavericks’ Early Loss to Suns<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

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\nStay tuned to MavericksGameday<\/strong> for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks<\/strong><\/u> throughout the 2024-25 Season\n<\/p>\n

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