We had left Tim Hardaway Jr., in early October, on his enthusiasm to take on the role of sixth man for the Mavs. And Jason Kidd’s desire to join the race for the league’s best substitute trophy. A month and a half later, these perspectives are more than relevant.
“ He’s great as the sixth man. He knows what he means to us. We all know he can be a starter. But what he does off the bench for us, on both sides, he has done since the start of the season, and we will need him to continue to do it. I think he’s very comfortable in what he’s been asked to do, and he’s doing it at a high level », greets Jason Kidd, covered by Sports Illustrated.
The Mavs coach speaks after his guard’s most accomplished match this season. In the absence of Kyrie Irving last night in Washington, Tim Hardaway Jr. responded perfectly, still coming off the bench, with his 31 points (11/20 on shots including 7/11 from distance), 4 rebounds and 3 passes in 27 minutes.
“ I am especially happy that we won. It’s the next player mentality. Everyone came today with a vengeful spirit (editor’s note: after the heavy defeat at the Pelicans the day before) and made sure not to get too comfortable and play with confidence, with passion, defense, rebounding, running and having fun », Lists the guard, who missed the mark of 10 points scored only once this year.
Rising percentages
Tim Hardaway Jr. is having fun this season. With nearly 19 points on average, he is close to his best career average signed with the Knicks before his arrival in Dallas in 2019. Above all, while his skill had declined over the last two seasons, he rose to 44% of success, more than 40% of which by far.
Record holder so far for the greatest number of 3-point baskets scored off the bench, he has the second best points average among substitutes, behind Kelly Oubre Jr.
He who had experienced health problems with his ankle will be able to put this success down to better health. “ Being able to have a healthy offseason was really beneficial for me and some members of the team. It allowed us to get back into shape, to look in the mirror and see who we really are, to set goals individually and collectively for the team. »
He adds : “ And I think we’re just trying to do our best to prevent what happened to us last season from happening again. » Namely experiencing a chaotic end to the season and failing to qualify for the playoffs. In second place in the West (9-3), the Mavericks took the season off to a good start.
