Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively II’s special bond with DFW class [Video]

COLLEYVILLE, Texas — In addition to airing every game of the 2024 NBA Finals on our station, WFAA is also hosting a special presentation called “The Pregame” before each and every matchup in the series. Head here for more information.

Knowing what’s at stake in the NBA Finals, Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II kept a poker face while answering almost every question at this week’s press conference.

And yet, he couldn’t help but crack a smile talking about one person, in particular.

“Brittany Cohen,” Lively said. “She’s an amazing teacher. I love everybody that’s a part of that school and a part of that class.”

That class is Cohen’s second-grade class at Glenhope Elementary in Colleyville.

Lively is, without question, their favorite Mavs player.

“He’s not just a Mavs player. He’s a special person to us,” 8-year-old Scarlett Pearce said, before pausing. “That dunks a lot.”

Dunks are why Lively and the kids now share a remarkable bond.

Since Cohen is a …