UPDATE: Just one day after the shocking firing of Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, head coach Jason Kidd is calling on Dallas Mavericks fans to “move forward” amidst ongoing outrage surrounding the team. This plea comes as the atmosphere at the American Airlines Center has been dominated by chants of “Fire Nico!” following the controversial trade that sent superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the month.
During a press conference ahead of the Mavericks’ home game against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, Kidd expressed his frustration over the negative fan sentiment that has marred the team’s performance. “It was a little disrespectful,” Kidd stated, referring to the timing of the chants, which often occurred during critical moments of the game, such as when players were attempting free throws. He emphasized that the players have been giving their all, saying, “These guys are playing hard, and they’re trying to win.”
The discontent among the fanbase reached a peak during Monday night’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, where the chants echoed throughout the arena, creating a challenging environment for the team. Players like P.J. Washington noted that the animosity felt like a home-court disadvantage. “The people weren’t really cheering us on,” Washington remarked.
With 7:07 remaining in the fourth quarter of Monday’s game, the chants began while Washington was at the free throw line, and they resurfaced again just before he missed a crucial shot that could have tied the game. Despite the distractions, Washington has refrained from blaming the crowd for his performance but added, “Hopefully, everybody starts cheering now. And they’ll be quiet during free throws.”
Kidd acknowledges that healing takes time for fans, but insists that it is crucial for the team to focus on the upcoming games. He stated, “They got their point across as fans, but we have to move forward.” The Mavericks currently face a pivotal moment as they adjust to the fallout from Harrison’s departure and aim to regain the support of their fans.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Mavericks will look to rebound from their recent struggles as they prepare to face the Suns. Fans are eager to see if Kidd’s call for unity will resonate, and whether the return of positive support can shift the team’s fortunes in the coming games.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how the Mavericks adapt and whether the fanbase can rally behind the players once more, fostering a more supportive atmosphere at the American Airlines Center.
