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Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic Won’t Like Latest Injury Update on Key Sharpshooter Ahead of Game 5 Vs. Clippers

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Paolo Songco | Last updated 4/30/24

The Dallas Mavericks have been without Tim Hardaway Jr. for the last two games. The 6-foot-5 guard/forward has been dealing with an ankle injury that forced him to sit out Games 3 and 4 against the Los Angeles Clippers, and unfortunately, Hardaway hasn’t recovered in time for Wednesday’s Game 5 showdown in LA.

Dallas Mavericks News: Tim Hardaway Jr. Ruled Out for Game 5 Vs. Clippers

Both the Mavs and Hardaway have been working hard to get the 32-year-old ready to return. Unfortunately, he suffered a setback during Tuesday’s practice, which left Dallas with no other choice but to rule THJ out for Game 5:

Mavs reserve Tim Hardaway Jr. is listed as out for Game 5 after aggravating his right ankle sprain during a scrimmage after today’s practice.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 30, 2024

Hardaway is no superstar, but there’s no denying that he’s firmly established himself as a key player on the Mavs’ rotation. He started 79 games for the team during the regular season, averaging 14.4 points on 40.2 percent shooting, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 26.8 minutes per contest. Hardaway is also one of Dallas’ deadliest shooters from beyond the arc, knocking down 2.7 triples per game on a 35.3-percent clip.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have done an outstanding job of carrying the load for the Mavs — like they have all season long — but they will certainly feel bummed out by this latest development surrounding Hardaway.

Luka and Kyrie could use all the help they can get against the Clippers, and losing Hardaway is a problem that the Mavs will need to face not only for Game 5 but potentially for the remainder of this series.