Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving returned for Tuesday night's home game against the Denver Nuggets, but the team lost center Dereck Lively II to a right ankle sprain in the first quarter. Lively exited with 8:04 left in the first quarter and did not return.

Jan 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

With their head amply above water at six games over .500, it’s not as if the reigning Western Conference champion Mavericks were in dire need of a lifeguard. But with six defeats in their last eight games,