3 heartwarming takeaways from Dallas Mavericks blowout win over the Knicks

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks win over Knicks: 2. THJ catches fire at MSG

Tim Hardaway Jr. struggled mightily to begin this season. He was coming off season-ending foot surgery, and most expected a slow start. Head coach Jason Kidd put him in the starting lineup for the last four games, and it certainly gave him a spark. Hardaway Jr. had 26 points on Thursday night against the Pistons, and he topped that on Saturday afternoon.

THJ had 11 first-half points before catching fire in the third quarter where he exploded for 17, including drilling five 3-pointers. See Hardaway Jr. sinking a triple below.

The 30-year-old wing played parts of two seasons for the Knicks, and he was averaging over 19 points per game before being traded to Dallas in 2019. Hardaway Jr. loves playing at Madison Square Garden, and it showed on Dec. 3 as he finished with 28 points on 10 of 17 shooting from the field, including making eight 3-pointers. It was a season-high in points and 3-pointers made for THJ.

Tim Hardaway Jr. is heating up, and that is a fantastic sign for the Dallas Mavericks. They need their role players to hit open shots. Luka Doncic is going to create a ton, and THJ looks ready to connect. Expect Hardaway Jr. to stick in the starting lineup and stay hot.