Dallas Mavericks: Tim Hardaway Jr. is shooting lights out as a starter

Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. is shooting the lights out since moving into the starting five on Nov. 20. Find out more here.

Dallas Mavericks supporters viewed Tim Hardaway Jr. as a throw-in in the Kristaps Porzingis trade with the New York Knicks. He was an afterthought despite averaging over 19 points per game. The Knicks wanted off his hefty salary and upcoming player option.

Hardaway Jr. played 19 games with the Mavs last season after the deal. He struggled to find his shot and fit in. A leg injury also hampered his production. The Mavericks shut him down early, so he could have surgery.

THJ returned at full strength this season. He got off to a slow start, though. Hardaway Jr. came off the bench for the first 13 games. He was averaging just 22.2 minutes and shooting an abysmal 34.4 percent from the field. Then, it all turned around for the 27-year-old.

Can’t miss as a starter

Seth Curry came down with an illness that opened up a place in the starting five. Coach Carlisle was looking for a way to get Hardaway Jr. going, so it seemed like a natural fit. It clicked right away. THJ took off dropping 20 points in 22 minutes in a 48-point blowout win against the Warriors.

He continues to shoot well even after missing three games with a hamstring injury. In his 20 contests as a starter, Hardaway Jr. averages 16.1 points and 3.2 3-pointers made in 27.5 minutes. He is shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 44.1 percent on his threes. There are just nine players shooting better than 44 percent from 3-point range for the entire season.

Consider it the Luka Doncic effect. THJ has made 113 field goals since entering the starting five. Doncic has assisted on 37 of them according to NBA Stats. The gravity of Luka being on the floor creates plenty of fantastic looks for Hardaway Jr. as well. He is taking 5.7 threes per game classified as open or wide open. The Mavs guard hits them at a 45.9 percent clip.

THJ is providing the necessary third scoring punch. The Mavs knew they would need someone to step up and take on that role. Luka Doncic is pushing to average 30 points per game this season. Kristaps Porzingis is capable of netting 20 on any night, but the team needs that steady 15 points per game third option to secure victories against the top teams. Hardaway Jr. is filling that role nicely.

Tim Hardaway Jr. remains locked in as a starter. It will be interesting to see if he can keep this up, though. He is known as a streaky shooter, so perhaps this is just a hot stretch. Luka Doncic helps by getting him open looks. That could be the difference in making it last.

The Smoking Cuban will be back with plenty more on Tim Hardaway Jr. plus unmatched analysis on the Dallas Mavericks, so coming back daily is a must for all supporters.