Mavericks Beat Pistons 115-105

Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a career-high 42 points, helping the Dallas Mavericks overcome the absence of Luka Doncic in a 115-105 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 27: Tim Hardaway Jr. #11 of the Dallas Mavericks drives with the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Trey Burke added 15 points for Dallas, which moved a game ahead of Portland for the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference. Doncic missed the game because of a left elbow issue, and the Pistons were without their leading scorer as well in Jerami Grant.

The game was tight until the final minute. Hardaway scored 17 points in a row during a fourth-quarter stretch, capping that run with a 3-pointer with 1:05 remaining that put the Mavericks up 109-105. During that stretch, Detroit also fouled Hardaway twice while he was shooting a 3, and he made all his free throws.

"We really just rode him to the win. It was a very difficult game," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "Detroit's a hard-playing team. They kept getting to the rim."

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 19: Frank Jackson #5 of the Detroit Pistons and Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons celebrate their win against the Cleveland Cavaliers after the NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on April 19, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Isaiah Stewart and Frank Jackson scored 20 points apiece for the Pistons.

Dallas has won five of six, although, in addition to Doncic's absence, Kristaps Porzingis left with knee soreness after scoring 11 points.

"I think most importantly, those guys know that health is the No. 1 priority," Hardaway said. "Just being able to have that next-man-up mentality and going out there and performing, is what you get paid to do."

Hardaway's previous career high was 39 points, set in 2018. He and Burke looked plenty comfortable in Detroit, not far from where they played college basketball at Michigan. Hardaway's 23 field goal attempts were a season-high.

Hardaway has missed only one game this season.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Dallas Mavericks looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on April 27, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

"He's been our iron man all year," Carlisle said. "I keep talking to him about getting him a game off at some point. Tonight wasn't going to be the night, because he was back home in Michigan."

Jalen Brunson scored 13 points for the Mavericks.

Saddiq Bey scored 18 points for the Pistons, and Sekou Doumbouya added 14.

Rookie Killian Hayes had 11 assists.

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIl 22: Dwane Casey head coach of the Detroit Pistons talks with Killian Hayes #7 in game against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at AT&T Center on April 22, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

"He's not a finished product still," Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. "One thing he's got to continue to do is to understand that you've got to be in great NBA condition, and the stamina level for a 19-year-old is not the same as an older player in the league, who knows the speed of the game and the endurance you have to have."

Dallas went 22 of 23 on free throws.

TIP-INS

Mavericks: Hardaway did fall three points shy of matching his father's career-high. Tim Hardaway scored 45 points in a 1997 game.

Pistons: Detroit was without Grant (right knee), Mason Plumlee (rest), and Wayne Ellington (calf). ... The Pistons lost despite shooting 51% from the field. They turned the ball over 18 times.

UP NEXT

Mavericks: Host Washington on Saturday night. Dallas beat the Wizards 109-87 on April 3.

Pistons: Visit Charlotte on Saturday night. The Hornets beat Detroit 105-102 on March 11.

 

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