OKLAHOMA CITY — The Dallas Mavericks will be without key player Maxi Kleber when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. However, they are gaining momentum with Tim Hardaway Jr.'s return to action after recovering from a sprained right ankle. He participated in multiple practices starting with Game 6 of the team's first round playoff series.
Mavericks manager Jason Kidd announced Monday that Hardaway, who suffered a right ankle sprain in Game 2 of the first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers, will be available for Tuesday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. . Kleber's absence is a big loss, but Hardaway's return provides much-needed scoring ability off the bench.
“It's a shame to lose Maxi,” Kidd said. “Maxi has been playing well for us, both defensively and offensively. But it's good to have Timmy back. We need Timmy to come off the bench to give us some offensive power and we'll be playing well in the playoffs. His experience there will be very important.”
April 14, 2024. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.Dallas Mavericks forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) drives
Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Hardaway, who played in 79 games this season and averaged 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 40.2% from the floor and 35.3% from deep, is expected to provide a spark off the bench and help fill the void. will be done. Due to Kleber's injury.
Hardaway's perimeter shooting could be a useful addition to the Thunder's tough half-court defense, which is aided by Chet Holmgren's rim protection. Hardaway made multiple 3-pointers and the Mavericks improved to 37-20 on the season. However, given the limitations, a natural balance must be considered when considering protective effectiveness.
The Mavericks playing without Clever will make it harder for the team to deploy larger lineup combinations, further opening the door for Hardaway and Dante Exum to step up from the bench into key roles. Become. Oklahoma City doesn't have a large perimeter staffing, which makes it even more important.
With Hardaway back on the roster, Dallas is looking to make a run in the playoffs despite the setback. His playoff experience and scoring ability will be critical in the series against Oklahoma City.
