The Dallas Mavericks have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA lately, and it looked like the Mavs would continue their seven-game winning streak Sunday. Unfortunately, the team fell short, losing 111-133 to the Indiana Pacers.
Mavericks duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving did their best to stay competitive. The team as a whole recorded 62 points and 12 rebounds. The game was close until the Pacers knocked down several big threes and opened up a 20-point lead late in the fourth quarter.
As the team attempted a comeback, Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. made some terrible plays that ultimately derailed the Mavs' comeback. Earlier this season, Hardaway Jr. was great off the bench and from the 3-point line for the Mavericks.
Unfortunately, he hasn't found the balance between when to shoot and when not to shoot, and his poor shot selection has disrupted the Mavericks' offense. After this match, Hardaway Jr. seemed to be in a slump.
Tim Hardaway Jr. averages per game since the trade deadline:
25 minutes
9.2 points
2.6 REB
1.6 AST
2.2 TOV33% FG%, 28% 3PT%, 50% FT%
I don't want to sound too picky, but these numbers show the Mavs are winning despite him.
— Mavs Film Room🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom) February 26, 2024
Hardaway Jr. knows his job is to be a leading scorer off the bench, and he's going to take his usual shots, whether the shots are falling or not. Jason Kidd as head coach needs to know when it's time to rotate others.
Kidd said the Mavericks haven't been this deep in a long time and suggested multiple players can get the job done. Jaden Hardy has been playing very well heading into the All-Star break, and Hardaway Jr.'s recent play should allow Hardy to get more playing time. Hardy was supposed to replace Hardaway Jr. at some point, but Kidd didn't sub him in until garbage time.
After all, Coach Kidd can't play for the men's national team, but he can decide who plays on the floor. Hardaway Jr. is known to be a streaky shooter and will bring a lot to the Mavs when he plays, but due to the depth of the roster, his playing time should fluctuate depending on his performance as the postseason approaches. They could have used Hardy because he doesn't hit as bad a shot as Hardaway Jr. and is a better playmaker.
The Mavericks continue their four-game road game against the powerhouse Cavaliers in Cleveland on Tuesday. I hope Coach Kidd's rotation will become even sharper as THJ plays. Stay tuned for more Dallas Mavericks news.
