His gesture provoked a big smile from his father. This Game 4 was already played when Tim Hardaway Jr. made a first 3-point basket, then a second, then this third shot in transition after a dribble between the legs.
In the front row, Tim Hardaway Sr. could be delighted to see his son find the net again. Mute since the start of this NBA final against the Celtics, and having not converted a 3-point basket since the second round against the Thunder, the Mavs back found color for 12 minutes, the last 12.
A full quarter to convert five 3-point baskets in a row and finish with 15 points on the clock (5/7 in total by far). “ It looked like he had joined a certain company. He looked like Ray (Allen) and Steph (Curry)”, compares Jason Kidd outrightby adding : ” We'll need that in Game 5. If the game is close, I hope he's able to make it, get the same shots. »
Should we see the promise of playing time for next night's match when Tim Hardaway Jr. had not converted a single shot in Game 3 (0/5 in 19 minutes)? “ It was great to see Timmy make those shots. I hope he can learn from it and the team can too. We'll need it for Game 5 », continues the coach.
A shooter released
Similar speech from Kyrie Irving who saw in his teammate a shooter “ freed in his game “. “ That’s what we expect of him, to remain confident and fluid. He did a great job with the kids on the bench, keeping them engaged. The next step in his evolution, and ours, is to continue to be a better teammate, whether you shoot or not », the playmaker steps forward.
While his playing time was halved compared to the regular season, and his point performance by three, Tim Hardaway Jr. is not making waves. Between games 3 and 4, the guard, generally lacking skill in these playoffs and struggling defensively, admitted that the versatility of the Celtics could play tricks.
“ They can defend everyone on all positions. Even when you try to find weaknesses in their defense, they always come back or always have a back line that helps the guy in question. They don't just do individual defense. They do a great job of team defense, which is very important and something everyone can see », he judged.
It's up to him to confirm the brief preview of Game 4 to try to blow up this defense.
