LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS MEDIA CONFERENCE

May 25, 2021

Tim Hardaway

Postgame Press Conference

Mavericks - 127, Clippers - 121

Mavericks

Q. Tim, when you hit that 3 with 1:03 left in the game, you let out a scream that could probably be heard here in Dallas. Tell me about the emotion that was running through you when you hit that 3 knowing the moment in that particular game and what it meant for you guys.

TIM HARDAWAY JR.: It's something you live for, man. I mean, it's easier said and done when you're up a couple of points. But when you're in that zone and you're in that mindset and you're playing against a team like that, those shots are very big and very key throughout the game. And just being able to get two on the road, it's great. But we know we've still got more work to be done. And a little bit more clean up on both ends of the floor.

Q. As you said, there's still more work to be done. What did you guys learn from yourselves in winning these two games in the way you won them?

TIM HARDAWAY JR.: I mean, we've been doing a great job of winning on the road all year, all season long. So just being able to come here and like I said having that crowd presence, it makes the arena, makes everything feel different, makes everything feel normal.

And once you're out there competing and you've got the fans there, it's something, you're playing for something. And it feels great. It feels great. And the adrenaline and the emotions are sky high. When you're just executing on both ends of the floor and you're in your zone, it's kind of hard to stop.

Q. Tim, is there a building of confidence, kind of a mushrooming of confidence with you guys, and on the other hand, do you sense doubt creeping in with the Clippers? Do you sense some deflation on that side?

TIM HARDAWAY JR.: I'm not sensing anything on that side. We know what type of ball club they are. They're a hell of a team. They've got home court advantage for a reason.

And we can't settle. We can't rest. We know what they're capable of. And what was your other question? I'm sorry.

Q. You guys obviously played well late in the season. But you go out there, you get two wins, you close them out both in convincing fashion. Just kind of the confidence that's building with you guys, just the vibe that you guys are creating.

TIM HARDAWAY JR.: Yeah, I mean, I think the vibes are emaculate, like we've been saying all season long. And when you're out there competing with your boys, competing with your brothers, especially everything we've been through all season long with people out with COVID and people out with injuries, it definitely brings a lot of the guys closer, I would say.

Once everybody got vaccinated, we were able to hang out, be around one another off the court on the road having those team dinners and having those team functions where we're around one another. That's what we're all about.

And it helps us not only off the court but on the court as well.

Q. Tim, I'm curious, how much did you recognize Dirk being behind the bench tonight, and how much do you think that kind of gives a lift to the guys when he's in the building and the atmosphere is like it was tonight?

TIM HARDAWAY JR.: 2-0 when Dirk gets in the building, I'll tell you that. Dirk, we saw Dirky earlier in the day, we knew he was there and we were happy we were able to pull out a victory. Like I said, it's still a long series and the job is not done at all.

It's just creeping into what we can become and we've just got to keep on focusing in and locking in.

Q. Tim, do you feel like this Mavs team was slept on? Because obviously you mentioned the COVID. At one point in the season you were 9-14. Do you feel like you guys were slept on coming into this situation because not many people picked you to win this series, let alone win a game or two?

TIM HARDAWAY JR.: We can feel any type we wanted. But we just know we're all up. The only thing that matters is now, the staff and the people helping us to be able to go out there and compete to the best of our abilities. And it's a great situation that we're in. We're going to take full advantage of it. And we're going to continue to stay locked in. Like I said, I can't say it enough. Staying locked in and really focusing on ourselves and what we can do to get better.