HIM. HARDAWAY. JR.
Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. ignite to add valuable win for the Dallas Mavericks
NBATuesday, 16 January 2024 at 05:13
In an evening that started earlier than usual due to Martin Luther King Jr day, the 6th prequalified Dallas Mavericks hosted their immediate pursuers, the New Orleans Pelicans. Without their star player, Luka Doncic (out 3 games ago due to ankle problems), Tim Hardaway Jr and Kyrie Irving combined for no less than...83 points! to beat the Pelicans who had already won at the American Airlines Center just two nights before.
The Dallas Mavericks ran the risk of losing against the same opponent in consecutive games. For the Pelicans, it was the opportunity to snatch the 6th place from Jason Kidd's squad and thus consolidate their position in the race to the 2024 Playoffs.
The game was very even during the first half, so much so that they went into the lockers tied at 59. Deep into the 3rd quarter, New Orleans, behind Zion Williamson -who is getting more and more into rhythm- took a 10-point lead that seemed to turn the game around.
The stars saved their best repertoire for the end, with both Kyrie and Zion exchanged baskets, but the Mavericks were able to close the gap on the scoreboard supported by their defense.
Tim Hardaway Jr. stole the show with a phenomenal streak of long-range shots to put Dallas ahead by 1 with 4 minutes left in the game. From that moment on, the Mavs' offense took charge of closing out the game, by dint of good execution and great ball movement.
Williamson missed a key free throw with 17 seconds left to keep the Pelicans within one possession, and Maxi Kleber took his chance when it was his turn to seal the game from the line.
Dallas wins 125-120. For the visitors, to highlight the 30 points and the very good efficiency of Zion, who needed more from his team, particularly Brandon Ingram, who finished the game with only 12 points.
“Timmy was huge for us. He made some big shots,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “But Kai was steady the whole afternoon. He's been doing this on this homestand. He's leading us, and guys are following.”
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