Jason Kidd agrees with fans that booed Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd didn’t blame the fans for booing the team during their loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.

The Dallas Mavericks notably lost a game against the Golden State Warriors this past week for which they filed for a protest over a controversial play they allege the referees got wrong. Considering the regular-season is nearing its end, the Mavericks could ill-afford to lose more games down the stretch, especially if they want to make the playoffs at most and play-in tournament at minimum.

Dallas had a good shot at getting back in the win column on Fridat as they took on a Charlotte Hornets team that sits comfortably in 14th place in the Eastern Conference and were without Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. Even so, the Hornets picked up the 117-109 victory, and Mavericks fans voiced their displeasure towards the team throughout the game.

During the postgame press conference, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd didn’t fault the fans for booing the team whatsoever. In fact, he called the team’s effort in the first quarter “awful” and “dogs***.”

Jason Kidd didn’t fault Mavericks fans for booing during loss to Hornets

While Kidd didn’t fault the fans for voicing their displeasure, Kyrie Irving took a different stance, suggesting that fans should try playing.

“I’ve been in New York City, so I know what that’s like,” said Irving, per ESPN. “You obviously want to play well, but it’s only five people on the court that can play for the Dallas Mavericks. If the fans wanna change places, then hey, be my guest. Got years of work ahead to be great enough to be on this level.”

The Mavericks’ largest lead of the night was by just a two point margin. Meanwhile, the Hornets led by 21 points.

Star Luka Doncic scored 34 points while shooting 12-for-23 from the field and just 2-for-9 from the three-point line. Doncic also hauled in 10 rebounds and dished out eight assists in 37 minutes played. But, he also turned the basketball over five times.

As for Irving, he put up 18 points (6-for-16 from the field, 1-for-8 from three-point line), nine rebounds and seven assists.

Now, Doncic and Irving are 3-7 when the two are in Dallas’ lineup together. As of Saturday, March 25, the Mavericks are sitting in 11th place, just outside of the play-in tournament.

The Mavericks are set to play the Hornets again on Sunday, March 26. From there, they have seven more games remaining in the regular-season. Dallas can’t afford any mistakes down the stretch, or they could end up missing the playoffs altogether, just one year after making it to the Western Conference Finals.