The Dallas Mavericks have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA as of late, and the Mavs looked to continue their seven-game win streak on Sunday. Unfortunately, the team fell short in a 111-133 defeat against the Indiana Pacers.
Mavericks duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving did their best to keep things competitive. As a collective, they tallied 62 points and 12 rebounds. This game was close until the Pacers knocked down some big threes and grew a 20-point lead late in the fourth quarter.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd’s poor decision leads to loss to Pacers
As the team tried to claw their way back, Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. made a few abysmal plays that ultimately derailed the Mavs’ comeback. Early this season, Hardaway Jr. was great for the Mavericks off the bench and from the 3-point line.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t found a balance when he should or shouldn’t shoot, and his poor shot selection has been disrupting the Maverick’s offense. Beyond this game, it seems Hardaway Jr. has entered a slump.
Tim Hardaway Jr. per-game averages since the trade deadline:
25 MIN
9.2 PTS
2.6 REB
1.6 AST
2.2 TOV33% FG%, 28% 3PT%, 50% FT%
I don’t want to harp, but these numbers indicate the Mavs have been winning in spite of him.
— Mavs Film Room 🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom) February 26, 2024
Hardaway Jr. knows his job is to be the primary scorer off the bench, and whether his shot is falling or not he’s going to be taking shots he usually takes. Jason Kidd as the head coach has to recognize when it’s time to rotate someone else in.
Kidd stated that the Mavericks haven’t been this deep in a very long time, implying multiple guys can get the job done. Jaden Hardy was playing really well leading into the All-Star break, and the recent play of Hardaway Jr. should allow Hardy to get more minutes. Hardy should have been in for Hardaway Jr. at certain points, but Kidd didn’t sub him in until garbage time.
Ultimately, Coach Kidd cannot play for guys, but he can decide who is out on the floor playing. Hardaway Jr. is a known streaky shooter, and when he’s on it provides a lot for the Mavs, but with the depth of the roster, minutes should fluctuate based on performance this close to the postseason. He could have used Hardy, as he doesn’t chuck as many bad shots as Hardaway Jr. and is a better playmaker.
The Mavericks continue their four-game road stretch Tuesday in Cleveland against a good Cavaliers team. Hopefully, rotations by Coach Kidd will be sharper along with the play of THJ. For more news on the Dallas Mavericks stay tuned.
