Mavericks young guard is on the trajectory to be special for Dallas

On Monday, the Dallas Mavericks swept their season series against the Washington Wizards with a 112-104 win at home. In a much-anticipated game following their trade deadline moves, fans were skeptical after a lackluster first half. Despite their struggles, the Mavericks dominated in the fourth quarter by only allowing 16 points.

Defensively, the trade deadline acquisitions of Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington led the way for an excellent closing quarter. Gafford finished the night off with five blocks and two steals, and despite struggling on the offensive end, Washington Jr. made it difficult for Wizards star Kyle Kuzma to get anything going in the second half.

Off the bench, Jaden Hardy played a huge role in giving the Mavericks life throughout the third quarter. Hardy finished with a critical ten points and cashed in multiple big threes. After yet another big night from the 21-year-old, fans were questioning what Hardy's role will be moving forward.

Mavericks young guard is on the trajectory to be special for Dallas

After failing to acquire Spencer Dinwiddie via the buyout market, fans knew that Hardy would have to step up into the third ball handler role. Hardy has been playing well as of recently but is he warranted such an important role off the bench?

Over Hardy's last ten games, he has shot the ball at an elite rate. From behind the arc, the former G League standout is shooting a whopping 44.4 percent, he is also shooting over 50 percent from the field for the first time this season.

Hardy has proven to be an elite catch-and-shoot player, and his last ten games have only guaranteed this. Alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Hardy has gotten unlimited open shots and capitalized on those opportunities.

The second-year player has also added a nifty mid-range game to his bag. Oftentimes, Hardy can get to his spot on the floor by making shifty moves that turn into open shots.

The next step in Hardy's evolution is creating for his teammates. If Hardy can unlock this part of his game, then there is no reason to doubt his availability as a third ball handler. For more updates on Jaden Hardy and the Dallas Mavericks, stay plugged in.