Jason Kidd Blasts Media and Referees After Mavericks Fall in Houston
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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd unleashed a profanity-laden rebuke of both media criticism and the officiating crew following Saturday night’s 113-111 defeat to the Houston Rockets, the team’s fourth consecutive loss.
Reporters questioned Kidd about his early-season decision to open No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg as the primary ball-handler. “I don’t care about the criticism,” Kidd said, insisting his experience as a former All-Star guard validates his coaching choices. Dallas began the season 2-5 with the league’s worst offensive rating before Flagg was moved off the ball, but the club has lately returned to lineups without a traditional point guard.
Flagg, 19, has flourished in that role. The rookie erupted for 49 points and 10 rebounds on Thursday, then recorded 34 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in Saturday’s loss. According to ESPN, his 83 total points over the two games set an NBA record for a teenager, and he is the first player under 20 to register back-to-back 30-point double-doubles.
The game turned with 25 seconds left when Flagg drove the lane and missed a left-handed layup that would have tied the score. Kidd argued the play should have resulted in free throws. “Sean Wright, Simone Jelks and Jason Goldenberg were awful tonight,” he said, referring to the officiating crew. “It’s a foul, and he needs to be on the line.”
Flagg acknowledged feeling contact but declined to criticize the officials, saying players must “play through it.” Despite Kidd’s complaints, Dallas attempted 26 free throws to Houston’s 15.
The Mavericks, now 2-8 since their 2-0 start, continue a four-game road trip Monday in San Antonio.
Source: Hoops Rumors
