Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd expressed frustration over missed foul calls concerning rookie Cooper Flagg during a recent game against the Houston Rockets, which the Mavericks lost 111-107. In the closing minutes, Flagg drove to the basket but was not awarded a foul despite appearing to be heavily contested. This incident prompted a heated reaction from Kidd in the postgame press conference, where he criticized the officiating crew, stating, “It’s unacceptable. It’s a foul & he needs to be at the free throw line.”
Kidd’s irritation was palpable as he was also confronted with questions about Flagg’s recent transition to point guard, a topic that has sparked national scrutiny throughout the season. In a bold retort, he stated, “I don’t give a fuck about the criticism…I know what the fuck I’m doing.” This hints at Kidd’s determination to develop Flagg, who has shown significant potential on the court.
Despite the loss, Flagg had an impressive performance, scoring 34 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out five assists. He became the first teenager in NBA history to record back-to-back double-doubles with over 30 points. This remarkable feat places him alongside legends like LeBron James and Luka Dončić as one of the few teenagers to achieve consecutive 25-point double-doubles. Flagg showcased his scoring prowess despite being defended by Houston’s top wing defenders, contributing a vital layup in the game’s final minutes that narrowed the Rockets’ lead.
The Mavericks have now lost four consecutive games, with their recent performance revealing a struggle to maintain control, particularly on defense. Mavericks center Daniel Gafford had a standout night, contributing 16 points and 11 rebounds despite battling through an ankle sprain. The Rockets, who have now evened their series against Dallas at two games apiece, relied on strong performances from Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. to secure the victory.
As the season unfolds, the Mavericks and Coach Kidd will need to navigate both external criticisms and internal challenges to harness Flagg’s potential and improve their fortunes on the court. Positive developments, such as Flagg’s historic scoring milestones, offer hope amid the team’s struggles.