In a thrilling turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks took Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals by storm, crushing the Boston Celtics with a decisive 122-84 victory. The real story, however, lies in the unexpected heroics of Tim Hardaway Jr., who emerged from a slump to set a new franchise record. Hardaway Jr. stuns fans with his performance, turning what seemed like a predictable blowout into a night of unforgettable moments.
Tim Hardaway Jr. Stuns Fans with Record-Breaking Performance
The Mavs, desperate for a spark, turned to Hardaway, a player who had been struggling for much of the playoffs. His shooting woes had seen him benched, with several games where he didn’t even step on the court. But sometimes, fortune favors the bold, and Jason Kidd’s decision to play Hardaway for 19 minutes in Game 3, despite his lackluster performance, raised many eyebrows and perhaps even a few tempers.
The first three quarters of Game 4 saw the Mavericks dominate so thoroughly that both teams pulled their starters, giving Hardaway a chance to step up in the fourth quarter. And step up he did. In just 12 minutes, Hardaway hit five three-pointers out of seven attempts, netting 15 points and electrifying the crowd at the American Airlines Center.
Hardaway’s performance not only reignited the team’s energy but also earned him a spot in Mavericks history. He surpassed the likes of Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Jason Terry, becoming the franchise leader for the most three-pointers made in a single NBA Finals game. This feat placed him in the same league as legends like Ray Allen and Stephen Curry, who have achieved similar in the Finals.
Social media buzzed with reactions, with Courtside Buzz capturing the sentiment:
“Tim Hardaway Jr.’s FIVE THREES in the 4th quarter of Game 4 broke the Dallas Mavericks’ record for most threes made in a single NBA Finals game! 🎯”
For a player who hadn’t scored a single point in the playoffs before this game, Hardaway’s resurgence is nothing short of miraculous. His newfound confidence could be pivotal for Dallas, who desperately need reliable shooters to complement their superstars, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. The Mavericks’ role players, including Dante Exum and Maxi Kleber, also stepped up, combining to shoot a remarkable 60.8% from beyond the arc in Game 4.
The road ahead remains challenging for the Mavericks. Yet, if Hardaway’s performance is any indication, there’s a flicker of hope. His unexpected heroics may just be the catalyst the team needs to mount a comeback in the series.
As the series shifts back to Boston for Game 5, the Mavericks will need to channel the same intensity and precision. Hardaway’s redemption story adds a new layer of excitement and unpredictability to the Finals, reminding us all that in sports, anything is possible.
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