Kidd fiercely defends his controversial Cooper Flagg point guard strategy, dismissing critics and asserting his proven player development expertise.
HOUSTON — Jason Kidd did not hesitate to defend his approach after the Dallas Mavericks dropped another tight game, making it clear that outside criticism will not sway how he develops rookie Cooper Flagg.
The Mavericks fell 111-107 to the Houston Rockets on Saturday night, their fourth straight loss, despite another standout performance from Flagg and a late chance to flip the outcome. Instead of focusing solely on the final possessions, Kidd forcefully pushed back against growing criticism of his decision to put the ball in Flagg’s hands as a primary playmaker.
Amen Thompson led Houston with 21 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. His alley-oop dunk put the Rockets up four with under two minutes remaining before Dallas answered with baskets from Flagg and Naji Marshall to tie the game.
Alperen Şengün restored the lead for Houston with a layup with 28.6 seconds left. After Flagg missed a shot in the lane on the other end, Tari Eason converted a dunk following a rebound to make it 111-107. Flagg’s final 3-point attempt bounced off the rim.
Flagg finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds, two nights after setting an NBA record by scoring 49 points in a loss to Charlotte. Saturday marked his fifth game this season with at least 30 points.
Houston created separation several times. A 3-pointer by Josh Okogie pushed the Rockets’ lead to 13 late in the third quarter before Dallas closed on a 13-5 run to trail 87-82 entering the fourth. A 7-2 Houston run early in the final period stretched the margin to 11 before Klay Thompson knocked down consecutive 3-pointers to pull the Mavericks within eight.
Postgame, Kidd was asked about Flagg’s final opportunity to decide the game.
“Yeah, we saw it. I saw it,” Kidd said. “You think it’s going your way.”
When questioned about coaching through another one-possession loss, Kidd pointed to officiating consistency.
“We’re fine. We’re going to play. We’re not complaining,” Kidd said. “But at some point there’s got to be a review. I understand he drives the ball and gets slapped — that’s a foul. Just being consistent. The referees weren’t consistent.”
Kidd also highlighted Flagg’s aggressiveness despite repeated contact.
“He’s going to continue to keep going until he hears the whistle,” Kidd said. “There were a lot of fouls missed with this young man. Maybe they just don’t know his game yet. He’s not going to get discouraged.”
The tone shifted when Kidd was asked about national criticism surrounding his decision to play Flagg at point guard.
“Criticism? That’s your opinion. You guys write that (expletive),” Kidd said. “I’ve done this. I’ve played this game. I know what the (expletive) I’m doing.”
Kidd continued, stressing that scrutiny comes with player development.
“I don’t give a (expletive) what you guys write because you guys have never played the game,” he said. “I build players, so I know what the (expletive) I’m doing. If I take criticism, it only makes me better, because if I wasn’t doing it right, you guys wouldn’t be poking holes in what I’ve done.”
Despite the losses, Kidd said the team’s evolution following roster changes and injuries has led to repeated close finishes.
“A lot of close games,” Kidd said. “We’ll be better as we go forward.”
The Mavericks will try to halt the skid Tuesday night when they host Boston.