Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. is grateful that he's now etched in franchise history as one of its best three-point shooters. He, however, was never really gunning for any record of any sort. He claimed he was just focused on the game.
Hardaway drained 10 three-pointers on Tuesday against the Miami Heat, greatly aiding their 127-113 victory. Hardaway's 10 rainbow makes marked a new career-high and tied Wesley Matthews and George McCloud for most three-pointers in a game in Mavericks history, according to StatMuse.
Per Dallas Morning News reporter Callie Caplan, Hardaway shared what was going through his mind during his hot shooting night.
“When you have been hot like that, had it going, you're not really focused on any records or anything like that. The game was just coming to me.”
Safe to say, Hardaway has found a home with the Mavericks. Not too long ago, he was on the verge of being a young journeyman. He jumped from the New York Knicks to the Atlanta Hawks then back to the Knicks in his first six years in the league. While he performed relatively well during those times, there rose lingering doubts if he truly belongs in the NBA.
Now in his third season with the Mavericks, Hardaway seems to be meshing well with Rick Carlisle's system. Given his shooting prowess and penchant for slashing, he has built good chemistry with superstar teammate Luka Doncic.
Analysts believe that the Mavericks roster needs more tweaks and adjustments to become an elite squad. As such, fans should expect some pieces to be moved. But don't expect Tim Hardaway Jr. to be traded. He's become a very critical pillar in their quest for the title.