Mavericks: Evaluating changes Tim Hardaway Jr. has made to his game this year

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Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic Tim Hardaway Jr. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Luka factor

Luka Doncic plays a key role in the success of Tim Hardaway Jr. The Mavericks star has assisted on 77 of THJ’s 346 made field goals. Hardaway Jr. is shooting 40.9 percent from 3-point range off passes from Doncic.

The on/off numbers tell a similar story. Hardaway Jr. shoots 45.0 percent from the field with Luka out there and 42.3 percent when he is on the bench.

From Dec. 26 to Jan. 28, THJ averaged 15.1 points per game while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 45.3 percent on his threes. That 15 game sample came directly between Doncic’s two absences with a sprained ankle.

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The answer as to why is simple. Doncic is the best ball handler Hardaway Jr. has played next to in his career. The Knicks had nobody that could compete. THJ often had to create for himself.

His next two most efficient seasons came with the Hawks on teams that featured Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder. THJ needs a point guard that can get him open. Now, he has one of the best playmakers in the league feeding him the ball on a nightly basis.

It is not just Luka Doncic that is making Tim Hardaway Jr. more efficient, though.

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