Tim Hardaway has gradually gotten acclimated with coming off the bench.

A starter throughout his 12-year NBA career, Hardaway agreed to back up Steve Nash at point guard with the Mavericks after getting a three-year, $11.3 million contract in a trade from the Miami Heat on Aug. 22. But until recently, Hardaway had consistently struggled with his new role.

"I've never come off the bench in my career, so it's a whole new experience for me," he said. "I have to be patient, and I need to go out on the court and just be aggressive, play hard and make things happen as soon as I get out there."

Apparently, that's the blueprint Hardaway has followed recently. Hardaway scored 16 points, was 6-of-10 from the field, 3-of-5 from 3-point range and handed out six assists in 21 minutes during Saturday's 125-117 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In Thursday's 102-82 victory over Cleveland, Hardaway tied his season high with 17 points, was 6-of-12 from the field, 4-of-8 from 3-point territory and dispensed seven assists in 31 minutes. Needless to say, Hardaway's past two performances have been very welcomed and much-needed for the Mavericks, who have won nine of their past 13 games.

"Timmy stepped up and led the team when it needed leading, and made shots when we needed shots," coach Don Nelson said, alluding to Hardaway's output against the Timberwolves. "He really gave us a solid effort again."