10 Reasons the Dallas Mavericks can win the NBA Finals this year

5. Offensive production of Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim Hardaway Jr. is one player crucial for the team's success. His production will be key if the team hopes to have a hot start to the second half of the year.

The Mavs' sixth man has started in 10 games for Dallas. He has averaged 23 points per game and 4.7 rebounds as a starter. Last month, he had his best start, dropping 36 points on 64.7 percent shooting.

However, he can also do damage off the bench. He averages 15.8 points per game and 3.3 rebounds off the bench while shooting 35.5 percent from the 3-point line. On Thursday, Hardaway Jr. came off the bench and dropped 12 points and two steals against the Phoenix Suns.

Hardaway Jr. has the second-best odds to win the Sixth Man of the Year award, as he only trails Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk.

One thing different about his game this season is his ability to drive to the lane. He can now attack the rim if needed, as he has shown to be more than just a shooter.

His offensive productivity will be important for Dallas. Hardaway Jr. is the team's third-leading scorer. Not to mention, he is also averaging a career-high in points for the team.

A productive six-man might be the missing ingredient for the Mavericks, and Hardaway Jr.'s ability to be a hybrid starter shows that he could be Dallas' x-factor once the playoffs roll around.