In a post-game press conference following the Mavericks’ triumph over the Rockets in the NBA In-Season Tournament, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd engaged in a spirited exchange with ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, expressing frustration with what he perceived as negative reporting about his star duo, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
MacMahon’s inquiry about the improvement of the Doncic-Irving duo in clutch situations sparked Kidd’s impassioned response.
The coach emphasized the need for patience and highlighted the duo’s current success compared to the challenges they faced last season.
Kidd stated, “I think, Tim, maybe it’s the things that you guys thought should have happened day one is that they should be successful right off the bat. It takes time. Failing is all right. It’s not a bad thing to fail for a pro athlete because you can get better and learn from it. And those two are the best in the world.”
He expressed confidence in Doncic and Irving, defending their capabilities in clutch moments.
The coach’s frustration became apparent as he candidly addressed MacMahon, urging him to “write some positive sh*t.”
“As you just mentioned, they’re one of the best, if not the best, in clutch time. But that was a big thing you guys wanted to make a big deal about last year. But you’re not making a big deal about it this year, because sh*t’s going good. So write some positive sh*t,” he said.
Kidd emphasized that the players, considered among the best globally, deserve positive coverage for their nightly contributions.
“It’s all right to write positive stuff. People will read your positive sh*t. You don’t always have to be negative,” Kidd asserted, underlining the need for a more optimistic narrative in sports reporting.
MacMahon attempted to steer the conversation back to a neutral tone, prompting Kidd to reiterate the importance of positive coverage, especially when the team is experiencing success.
“We’re only into this year; we can’t go back to last year. That’s the f*cking problem. Have a good night,” Kidd remarked.
