Jason Kidd David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Kidd takes veiled shot at Mavericks following loss to Celtics

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/2/24

The Dallas Mavericks lost their third game in four on Friday. The Boston Celtics were too much for Jason Kidd's team to contain. Boston's array of shooting and defensive talent has seen them cement themselves as championship favorites. The game was a big test for the Mavericks, especially the backcourt pairing of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Kidd took a thinly veiled shot at his team when speaking at his postgame news conference. He noted how Boston's success is predicated on their willingness to work for each other.

"It's a very rare thing in this league to see a team like that with five shooters," Kidd said of the Celtics. "It's about team for them. You can see that with the ball movement. They're not worried about who is shooting it. A lot of times, the person shooting it is wide open."

Kidd's comments may have been a basic observation. However, the Mavericks are known for being an isolation-heavy team. They rank second in the NBA for isolation possessions with a 10.4% frequency. Only the LA Clippers isolate more.

Boasting Doncic and Irving makes isolation basketball more palatable for Dallas. Yet, when faced with a highly talented team that shares the ball, the Mavericks brand of basketball often gets exposed.

As such, it's logical to conclude that Kidd was likely sending a message to his team. Dallas' front office has constructed a roster capable of contending in the West. They have all the talent needed for a deep playoff push. However, they need to move the ball more if they want to be unpredictable when attacking opposing defenses.

Facing the 2023-24 Celtics is a tough task. They're arguably the most complete team in the NBA. Yet, if Kidd can take away some lessons from that loss and implement them into the Mavericks' approach, it could be a momentum changer for his team.

Dallas has won seven of their last 10 games. They're trending in the right direction. Still, there are always improvements that could be made. Kidd is right to hold his team accountable. Nevertheless, Dallas' style of play is unlikely to change, at least this season.

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