In the Dallas Mavericks’ tough 117-104 overtime loss to the Miami Heat, forward Tim Hardaway Jr. expressed the team’s frustration over the absence of their star player, Luka Dončić. The Mavericks were without Dončić, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury, and Hardaway was candid in discussing how much the team missed their “ultra-superstar.”
Hardaway acknowledged that Dončić’s leadership and playmaking ability are pivotal for the Mavericks, especially in close games like the one against Miami. “Luka is our guy. He’s the engine that makes us go,” Hardaway said. “When he’s not out there, we have to adjust, but it’s tough because he’s such an ultra-superstar. His presence, his ability to create shots, create plays—it’s something we can’t replicate.”
Without Dončić, the Mavericks struggled in key moments, particularly in overtime, where they faltered down the stretch. Despite strong individual performances from players like Kyrie Irving, who finished with 23 points and 6 assists, Dallas couldn’t keep up with the Heat’s balanced attack led by Jimmy Butler. The Mavericks failed to execute in crucial moments, with turnovers and missed opportunities adding to their woes.
Hardaway emphasized that while the team needs to step up in Dončić’s absence, they can’t rely solely on one or two players. “It’s a team game, and we all have to do more, but Luka is Luka. We definitely missed him,” Hardaway added.
The loss was a reminder of just how integral Dončić is to the Mavericks’ success. As the team awaits his return, they know they’ll need to find ways to compensate for his absence and ensure they remain competitive in the stacked Western Conference.