LOS ANGELES — Coming off a 41-point performance against the New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. was allowed to elect whether he'll come off the bench or start against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
"Tim's a pro. You look at what he's done for us, we've asked him to come off the bench," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "We've asked him to start. We asked him this morning if he wanted to start or come off the bench. He gave his answer."
While Kidd didn't reveal whether Hardaway would start or come off the bench before the game, it was clear the choice was to begin after the lineups were submitted. With Luka Doncic making his return from a four-game injury absence due to a right ankle sprain, Hardaway started alongside the Slovenian superstar and Kyrie Irving on the perimeter, with Derrick Jones Jr. and Dereck Lively II rounding out the group.
Kidd emphasized how Hardaway will continue to have the "florescent green light" to shoot the ball, whether starting or coming off the bench. Given the level the veteran sharpshooter has played at as of late, the Mavs' priority was to do what it takes to sustain his confidence to translate to continued results.
"Just understanding he's a pro. He's about trying to help the team win. He has the fluorescent green light to shoot," Kidd said of Hardaway. "He believes what he shoots that he has a chance to make it. And so his confidence is high. We need to keep his confidence where it's at."
Entering Wednesday's game, Hardaway averaged 24.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in seven starts this season. The box score production has exceeded expectations, but the Mavs also value the little things he does beyond making big shots, like taking charges and willingly guarding bigger matchups.
"He's done everything for us to win by taking charges, making big shots, being able to guard bigger guys," Kidd said of Hardaway. "He's never complained. He's up for the task."
Entering Wednesday's game, Hardaway averaged 24.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in seven starts this season.
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