Scheduling a pre-season NBA game in Abu Dhabi probably seemed like a better idea when they thought of it, but obviously no one could have predicted that war would break out not too far away during the same weekend.
But the game went on and Duke rookie Dereck Lively made a solid impression in Dallas’s 111-99 loss to Minnesota.
Lively got the start and played 22 minutes. He shot 1-2, grabbed four boards, three blocks and one steal. He also earned some respect, with Luka Doncic and Rudy Gobert praising the rook.
Here’s what Gobert had to say about his new rival: “I’m happy for the rookie.