Mavericks center Dereck Lively II exits Game 3 vs. T-Wolves after taking knee to the head

Game 3 of the Mavericks’ Western Conference finals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves was briefly delayed after Mavs rookie center Dereck Lively II took a knee to the back of the head and suffered a neck sprain.

The Mavericks’ bench emptied and teammates surrounded Lively after the second-quarter collision with Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns. He was helped to his feet and appeared woozy when he exited the court with Mavericks training staff to go to the locker room.

He did not return to action, and after the game Jason Kidd said there’s no concern of a concussion, but it’s unclear if he’ll be able to play Tuesday in Game 4.

If Lively can’t play, Dwight Powell will get more minutes.

“If Lively’s out,” Kidd said, “DP will play.

“And we trust him.”

The Mavericks were not charged a timeout during the delay due to what referee Tony Brothers deemed “concussion protocol.”

Lively, the Mavericks’ dynamic rookie 7-footer who has helped anchor the team both offensively and defensively during its deep playoff run, had scored six points through the first quarter-and-a-half of Game 3. He has made 13 of 13 field goal attempts during the Western Conference finals.

Lively, 21, was recognized for his selection to the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team during the break between the first and second quarter on Sunday.

Photos: Dallas Mavericks go up 3-0 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

77 images

View Gallery

Twitter: @dmn_mavericks

Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.