Tim Hardaway Jr. Fractures Foot, A Blow To The Dallas Mavericks’ Bench

By Jordan Long

The Dallas Mavericks were drummed by the Golden State Warriors last night by the score of 130-92.  Dallas was outscored 67-41 in the 2nd half.  They scored a dismal 14 points in the 4th quarter allowing Golden State to put up 33 points.  It dropped Dallas’ record to 27-21.  In the loss, small forward Tim Hardaway Jr suffered a foot fracture.  His timetable to return is unknown.

                Hardaway appeared in 42 games for Dallas while starting 20 of those games.  Hardaway averaged 29.6 minutes per game.  He was a key part of their offense averaging 14.2 points and 2.2 assists per game.  On the defensive end, he boxed out and grabbed 3.7 rebounds per game.

                In last night’s game, Hardaway put up 10 points in 10 minutes of game action.  Hardaway was going up for a layup with 7:17 left in the 2nd quarter and came down on his leg.  He was in pain, unable to put any weight on his left leg.  Hardaway had to be helped off the court.  It was a non-contact play. Hardaway left the floor and didn’t return.  At the time Dallas was down 40-33.  Dallas had to wait to see what the injury was.  X-rays showed a fracture of the fifth metatarsal on his left foot. Dallas will have to march on without him. 

`               According to ESPN, Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr said, “I just want to say how sorry we are to hear that. You hate to see anybody get injured. I just want to send him our regards from the organization and hopefully, he’s back sometime soon. I don’t know what the prognosis is. We feel terrible for him.”

                Dallas knows this is a big loss off the bench.  Hardaway was one of their better players who helped the 2^nd unit score.  With him out, Reggie Bullock needs to step up his game as he becomes the backup small forward to Dorian Finney-Smith.  Bullock is not the scorer that Hardaway is averaging 6.2 points per game.  On defense, Bullock and Hardaway are about the same player.  They both can defend and rebound. Bullock pulls in 3.1 rebounds per game.

                This is a big blow to the Mavericks.  At least they stand in 5^th place in the Western Conference.  They should still earn a playoff spot.  Once the postseason starts and if Hardaway is still out, this could be a blow to their playoff series because of what Hardaway brings to the table off the bench.  They may not go that far without him.  Then again, depending on how his leg heals, Hardaway might be back in time for the playoffs.