3 meaningful takeaways from Dallas Mavericks win over Warriors

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks win over Warriors: 2. THJ shines in start

The Mavs put Tim Hardaway Jr. in the starting five against the Milwaukee Bucks as Reggie Bullock rested. Head coach Jason Kidd liked the way his offense played, despite the loss, so he decided to keep THJ in the opening group even with Bullock back. The Mavs were hoping it would snap both players out of their shooting slumps, and it certainly did for Hardaway Jr.

The 6’5 wing scored 22 points on eight of 16 shooting from the field, including making five 3-pointers. Hardaway Jr. had one of his best games of the season, and he helped spark the team’s offense.

He was plus-19 in his 31 minutes on the floor on Tuesday night, and four players in the starting lineup were a positive against the defending champions. Spencer Dinwiddie sat at zero after 23 minutes when he was ejected for picking up a flagrant two foul. The 6’5 guard was leading the second unit when Luka Doncic was on the bench, which is why he was the only starter that did not finish with a positive plus-minus.

Expect Tim Hardaway Jr. to stick in the starting five after Tuesday’s game. He gave the team a lift and finally broke out of his shooting slump. The Dallas Mavericks need more scoring and shot-making, so getting THJ on track is important to their success moving forward.