Kidd didn’t talk after the Mavericks’ overtime loss.
Credit: (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
DALLAS — In an unusual move for an NBA head coach, Jason Kidd skipped his postgame interview Monday night following the Mavericks’ overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings.
The reason for Kidd’s absence from the usual postgame media session remains unclear. However, for Mavericks fans, it was a night filled with frustration and disappointment.
While Dallas suffered a narrow overtime defeat, Luka Doncic made his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers, impressing a star-studded crowd with his signature stepback shot. Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki was in the building to support Doncic, sitting alongside the young player’s father for the highly anticipated debut.
Back in Dallas, the Mavericks not only lost the game but also saw key player Daniel Gafford leave the court with an injury. In the crowd, American Airlines Center security escorted a fan out of the arena after he was caught on the jumbotron mouthing “Fire Nico.” The fan was met with boos as he was removed, while general manager Nico Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumont were seated near courtside.
There was a silver lining for the Mavericks on Monday, though, in an ironic twist: With Anthony Davis set to miss several weeks due to an adductor strain, Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving will take his place at the upcoming All-Star Game.
Irving led the Mavericks in the loss with 30 points. The game ended in overtime after DeMar DeRozan sank a 13-foot floater with just two seconds remaining.
Dallas will look to bounce back when they host the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m.