After the Dallas Mavericks lost Monday’s game to the Sacramento Kings, coach Jason Kidd skipped his usual postgame meeting with the media. On Wednesday, we learned that he simply needed some time to himself. “I felt bad,” Kidd said, in a video shared by Joey Mistretta of Clutch Sports before Wednesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors. “I thank you for your grace and the NBA for their grace…We lost a tough game. We lost another player. So I just needed some time to regroup, refocus and figure out how to put these pieces back together.”
Jason Kidd breaks his silence on missing last game’s postgame press conference.#MFFL pic.twitter.com/AOjidvrJnU
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) February 13, 2025
In fairness to Kidd, the Mavericks have faced challenges since the controversial Luka Dončić trade. The team currently holds a record of 2-3, which isn’t disastrous, but injuries have taken their toll. Anthony Davis, the primary return from the trade, played well in his debut, only to get hurt, while center Daniel Gafford was injured during Monday’s game. Both will be out for an extended period, adding to the team’s woes after the tough loss to the Kings. Kidd’s need for time to regroup is understandable; when the going gets tough, it’s only human to take a step back.
Respect this answer a lot https://t.co/K8z6bYF2h9
— All Things Mavs (@All_Things_Mavs) February 13, 2025
Understandable. It’s been a season from hell injury-wise. I don’t know that fans cared too much to hear from him after the SAC loss anyway. https://t.co/uqTL8rlEGy
— Dalton Trigg (@dalton_trigg) February 13, 2025
However, the team’s loss and Gafford’s injury were not the only significant events from Monday’s game. Mavericks fans, clearly frustrated with the trade, were ejected from the American Airlines Center for calling for general manager Nico Harrison’s dismissal. This, much like the trade itself, drew considerable criticism. While Kidd didn’t make the decision to eject fans, such incidents typically prompt the head coach to address the media. It’s part of the role.
….You’re the head coach?????
You can’t just skip the media lol. its part of the job. https://t.co/PuClQkbd1A
— Modest Matthew (@LK3185) February 13, 2025
You’re supposed to be one of the faces of the franchise. The spokesman for your team. And you run and hide when things are tough. Just beyond weak. https://t.co/aVanJkhBm0
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 13, 2025
While it’s understandable that Kidd needed time to regroup, his absence from the postgame press conference may not have been the best choice given the circumstances.
