Mavericks injury curse strikes former player in first game back in Dallas

As if the Mavs injury luck wasn't bad enough, it's now even hitting players on other teams.

Mar 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) grabs his leg after he falls to the floor during the first half against the Dallas Maverick at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks have been dealing with a ridiculous amount of injuries this season, as they were missing seven players in this game with significant injuries. Between Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and more, many were wondering if the Mavericks might be cursed for their decision to trade away Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

If you believe in curses, the theory gained some credibility on Friday night as the Mavericks played host to the Detroit Pistons, but not for the reason you might expect.

READ MORE: Ex-Maverick's brother criticizes team for viral moment before Luka Doncic-Lakers trade

Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) walks up the court during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Former Maverick Tim Hardaway Jr. was making his first return to Dallas on Wednesday since being traded to the Pistons over the offseason. But in the second quarter, he went down with an ankle injury after stepping on PJ Washington's foot while backpedaling.

Tim Hardaway Jr. is carried to the locker room after stepping on P.J. Washington's foot (with replays). Including the chaotic sequence just before that. pic.twitter.com/LtyLGrLhLK

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) March 22, 2025

The Pistons would rule Hardaway out for the remainder of the game soon after, ending his Dallas return with just one rebound and no points in a little under eight minutes, shooting 0/2 from the floor.

Hardaway spent five and a half seasons with the Mavericks after coming over in the Kristaps Porzingis trade, playing in 352 games and averaging 15.2 PPG. He fell out of the rotation in last year's run to the NBA Finals, and the Mavs had to attach some second-round picks to get rid of his salary in the offseason, allowing them to make other moves. Dallas was able to give him a video tribute in the first quarter before he left with his injury, though.

READ MORE: Mavericks forward joins NBA legends with career milestone

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