Jason Kidd Defends Cooper Flagg Amid Criticism After Mavericks’ Loss

Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd’s Passionate Response

In a fiery press conference following the Dallas Mavericks’ 111-107 loss to the Houston Rockets, head coach Jason Kidd expressed his frustration regarding the criticism aimed at his management of rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. Kidd’s unfiltered comments came in response to questioning about the national scrutiny surrounding Flagg’s role, particularly after the rookie’s struggles early in the season.

"I don’t give a s–t about the criticism," Kidd asserted. "You guys write that bulls–t. I’ve played this game at a very high level. I know what the f—k I’m doing."

This statement underscores Kidd’s determination to protect his players and stand firm against external judgment.

Cooper Flagg: Rising Star with Mixed Results

At just 19 years old, Cooper Flagg has emerged as a remarkable talent in the NBA. Selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Duke, the 6-foot-9 forward has been utilized as a point guard, a decision that has garnered mixed reactions, especially with veteran Kyrie Irving recovering from a torn ACL.

Flagg’s Historic Performances

Despite early season challenges, Flagg’s recent performances have been nothing short of historic:

• 34 Points, 12 Rebounds, and 5 Assists in Saturday’s game.
• Added to a previous 49-point outing—marking the highest points for a teenager in a single NBA game.
• Flagg’s combined total of 83 points across two games is an unprecedented record for a teenager in NBA history.

Statistical Overview

In his first 45 games, Flagg has shown significant promise:

• Average Stats: 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists.
• Double-Doubles: Achieved in three of his last four games.

Mavericks’ Struggles Amidst Growing Pains

Despite Flagg’s impressive statistics, the Mavericks find themselves amid a four-game losing streak, currently sitting 11th in the Western Conference with a record of 19-30. Featuring an inconsistent season, injuries, and trade rumors surrounding star forward Anthony Davis—acquired in a blockbuster trade involving Luka Doncic—have compounded the team’s challenges.

Kidd Critiques Officiating

In addition to defending Flagg’s playing time, Kidd criticized the officiating during the loss. He highlighted a contentious moment involving a potential game-tying layup by Flagg, claiming it should have resulted in free throws.

"The referees were unacceptable. It’s a foul, and he needs to be at the free-throw line."

Looking Ahead

As the Mavericks navigate a tumultuous season, the focus will remain on developing Flagg and improving their overall play. With a mixture of youth and experience, the team’s ability to adapt—and Kidd’s robust defense of his players—will be crucial in the games ahead.

Conclusion

Jason Kidd’s impassioned defense of Cooper Flagg amidst criticism highlights the growing pains of a young star in the ever-demanding NBA landscape. As the Mavericks strive to find their footing, fans will be eagerly watching how both the team and their rookie phenom evolve in the coming months.

For more insights and updates on Cooper Flagg’s journey and the Dallas Mavericks’ season, follow ESPN and NBA for comprehensive coverage and analysis.