Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr. was ruled out for the second half of Tuesday’s first-round playoff game against the host Los Angeles Clippers with a sprained right ankle. Hardaway’s injury occurred when he attempted a 3-pointer with 6:07 remaining in the first half amid tight defense from the Clippers’ Paul George. Hardaway landed awkwardly and left the game with 5:49 remaining in the half. In six minutes of action off the bench, Hardaway did not score. His only shot attempt from the floor was the contested trey.
Hardaway, 32, averaged 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 79 regular-season games (12 starts). In a Game 1 loss against Los Angeles on Sunday, Hardaway scored six points and hauled in three boards in 16 minutes.
Hardaway’s absence in the second half is a significant blow to the Mavericks, who are already without star guard Luka Doncic due to a calf strain. Hardaway has been a key contributor for Dallas this season, providing scoring and shooting from the perimeter. His injury could force the Mavericks to adjust their rotation and rely more heavily on other players to step up.
The Clippers, meanwhile, will look to take advantage of Hardaway’s absence and grab an early lead in the series. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday night in Los Angeles.
