As the Dallas Mavericks prepare to face the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals, they find themselves in a precarious position, trailing 0-3 in the series. Despite strong performances from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks’ fans are holding onto hope for a series turnaround. However, a critical issue is hampering the team’s efforts—Tim Hardaway Jr.’s declining performance.
Throughout the regular season, Tim Hardaway Jr. was a pivotal player for the Mavericks, often in contention for the Sixth Man of the Year award. His consistent scoring off the bench provided a vital boost, making him a reliable third option behind Doncic and Irving. However, since the trade deadline, Hardaway Jr. has experienced a significant shooting slump, which has carried over into the playoffs.
In the Finals, Hardaway Jr.’s struggles have become more pronounced. His performance in Game 3 exemplified his recent woes, as he failed to score any points, missing all five of his field goal attempts and three shots from beyond the arc. This lack of production has made it difficult for head coach Jason Kidd to rely on him, leaving the Mavericks without the much-needed offensive spark from their second unit.
Hardaway Jr.’s current form poses a significant challenge for the Mavericks, especially considering his status as the third-highest-paid player on the team. His inability to contribute effectively has forced Kidd to explore deeper bench options, none of which have provided the desired impact. This predicament highlights the gap in the Mavericks’ roster, emphasizing their need for a dependable third scorer.
The outlook for Hardaway Jr. in this series appears bleak. If his performance doesn’t improve, these Finals may mark his final games with the Mavericks, as the team might explore trade options during the offseason. Unfortunately, his prolonged slump has likely diminished his trade value, complicating potential moves.
As the Mavericks continue their battle in the NBA Finals, the situation with Tim Hardaway Jr. remains a pressing concern. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can rebound and help the team extend the series, or if his struggles will continue to hinder Dallas’ championship aspirations.
