Tim Hardaway Jr. has stepped up as a vital player for the Denver Nuggets during a challenging period marked by injuries to key teammates. With the absence of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Hardaway has embraced a leadership role, combining his scoring ability with mentorship for younger players. As the Nuggets prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans on October 31, 2023, the team’s reliance on Hardaway has become increasingly clear.
On Sunday night, Hardaway came off the bench to score 25 points, leading the Nuggets to a thrilling 108-104 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, a team featuring superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. His performance was part of a concerted effort by the Nuggets to maintain competitiveness despite being short-handed.
Hardaway’s contributions extend beyond scoring. Last week in Philadelphia, he celebrated from the sidelines as the Nuggets achieved what coach David Adelman described as “one of the best NBA wins I’ve ever been a part of in my life.” In that game, rookie guard Jalen Pickett scored a career-high 29 points, showcasing the depth of talent that Hardaway has helped foster.
The veteran’s influence is evident in his interactions with teammates. Pickett remarked, “Tim just loves offense. So when you are making shots… he loves it when people are scoring and having fun.” Hardaway’s guidance has encouraged younger players like Pickett to be aggressive and take initiative on the court.
In the recent game against the Bucks, Hardaway played over 35 minutes, making 5 of his 9 three-point attempts and shooting 8 for 12 overall. “For the first time this season, I tried to go out there and just tried to lead by example,” Hardaway stated. His passion for the game drives him to communicate effectively and motivate his teammates, even when the team’s usual starters are sidelined.
Hardaway views this period as an opportunity not only for himself but also for those who may not typically see significant playing time. “I just want them to relish the moment,” he said, emphasizing the importance of making the most of every opportunity on the court.
Currently, Hardaway is averaging 13.8 points per game with a remarkable 41.4% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, marking the best performance of his career compared to his career average of 36.4%. His ability to score consistently has been a crucial asset for the Nuggets as they navigate a challenging stretch of their season.
Adelman has expressed satisfaction with Hardaway’s production, highlighting his ability to energize the offense. “For a coach, it’s a joy to draw up plays for that guy,” he remarked. “He just has such a good feel for who he is.” Adelman emphasized the importance of Hardaway continuing to shoot, regardless of the outcome, stating, “It’s been a blessing that we got him this year for this team.”
As the Nuggets prepare for their upcoming game, the spotlight remains on Hardaway, whose leadership and scoring prowess are crucial to the team’s success during this challenging stretch. The Nuggets’ ability to maintain their competitive edge will depend significantly on his contributions on and off the court.
