DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks need a scoring boost. Luka Doncic has played well despite battling an injury, but Dallas has not received much scoring production aside from him. Kyrie Irving could turn things around. Perhaps PJ Washington or Derrick Jones Jr. will bounce back. However, one player who could make a difference played in just under two minutes in Game 2.
Jaden Hardy flashed signs of offensive potential throughout the 2023-24 season. In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Hardy scored 13 points in just over 10 minutes of action. Sure, some of those points came towards the end of the game while the Mavs were already trailing by a large margin, but Hardy's offensive prowess could help in Game 3 nonetheless.
Hardy is ready to help the Mavs if his name is called.
“Just trying to stay ready,” Hardy said on Wednesday after shoot-around. “Whenever my name is called, having the opportunity to go out there and help the team. I feel like that's what I did. Just trying to improve on that, keep building on that going into these next couple of games. Trying to get these wins.”
Every championship team tends to feature a player or two who emerges as an X-factor. Again, that may end up being Washington, Jones, or someone else. However, giving Hardy an opportunity makes sense. Dallas already trails Boston 0-2 in the series so giving Hardy a chance is worth it.
So how does Hardy “stay ready” given his uncertain playing time?
“Just working on your game,” Hardy said. “Late nights, just staying after practice to get extra reps in. Just having confidence in my ability to know that when I'm out there I'm confident. Having my faith in God, just trusting Him that everything is gonna be alright.”
Mavericks set to protect home court in Game 3
The Mavs understand the importance of winning Game 3. Dallas expects the fans to bring the energy on Wednesday night.
“I expect our home crowd to show out tonight,” Hardy said. “It's going to be a great atmosphere. I feel like we're going to feel the energy from our fans and I feel like it's going to show on the court today.”
“I expect it to be electric,” Mavs center Daniel Gafford added. “I expect the energy to be contagious… For sure coming out with great energy, positive vibes.”
The Mavericks feature a tremendous fanbase. The fans are going to do everything they can to give the team an advantage on Wednesday. However, the Celtics have played well on the road. Game 3 will present a challenge for Dallas without question.
Nevertheless, there is reason for optimism. Game 3 is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST on Wednesday night in Dallas.
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