The Dallas Mavericks are set to host the Denver Nuggets once again on Tuesday night, following Denver’s 112-101 victory on Sunday. A late-game comeback led by the Nuggets sealed their win, with Nikola Jokic once again proving a formidable challenge.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd reflected on rookie Dereck Lively II’s performance against Jokic, emphasizing the difficulty of containing the reigning MVP.

“As well as he could have,” Kidd said of Lively’s effort. “Talking about the best player in the world, you’re not going to shut him out… You can double him, he’s seen the doubles, he’s seen the one-on-ones… Lively did as well as he could. (Daniel Gafford) and (Maxi Kleber) too. But that’s why he’s considered one of the best, if not the best, in the world.”

Kidd highlighted Jokic’s exceptional basketball I.Q., particularly his offensive rebounding and passing abilities, which he feels are often overlooked.

“You can double him, you can play him straight up. His passing ability and his offensive rebounding ability are at a very high level for a seven-footer. The passing, yes, but I think he doesn’t get enough credit when he shoots it. He always comes up with the rebound—the opponent never does. That shows how smart his basketball I.Q. is. He knows exactly where the ball is going if he misses.”

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone also weighed in, praising Lively for his effort against Jokic, showing mutual respect for the young center’s performance.