Mavs' Lively returns after 3-month absence

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II returned to the lineup in Wednesday's 120-118 victory over the Atlanta Hawks after missing most of the last three months with a right ankle stress fracture.

Lively, who last played Jan. 14, started the game but was limited to 16 minutes of action. He posted four points, five rebounds, an assist, and one block.

Anthony Davis led all scorers with 34 points, 15 boards, two assists, one steal, and five blocks. He also hit the game-winning floater with 3.4 seconds remaining in the contest.

The 7-foot-1 Lively was averaging 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 70.1% shooting entering Wednesday. He's also been vital to the Mavericks' defense with a career-best 1.7 blocks per game.

The 21-year-old is the latest player returning for the injury-riddled Mavs. Davis and Daniel Gafford both returned recently after lengthy absences.

The Mavericks are ninth in the Western Conference with a 38-39 record.