Following a close 114-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd delivered a candid critique of his team’s energy and bench performance. Kidd’s frustration was evident as he highlighted the need for greater intensity and contributions from the team’s reserves.
The Mavericks’ loss came down to the final seconds, with Suns center Jusuf Nurkic securing the win by hitting a decisive free throw with 0.8 seconds remaining. Despite strong performances from Dallas stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Kidd noted that the team’s sluggish start and inconsistent bench output ultimately proved costly.
Kidd didn’t mince words in the postgame press conference, saying, “Somebody’s gotta come with some (expletive) energy. We’re (expletive) flat…Our bench stinks right now…As deep as we are, we got to get someone to (expletive) participate off the bench,” according to The Smoking Cuban.
Kidd emphasized that basketball is a team effort, stating, “It’s not just Luka and Kai and Klay. Others have to participate, and that’s not happening right now.”
The Suns’ narrow victory pushed their record to an impressive 8-1, marking their best start since the 2009-10 season. Kevin Durant led Phoenix’s offense with 26 points, while Nurkic provided a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, including the crucial offensive board that set up his winning free throw.
Doncic kept Dallas in the game with a 30-point, seven-assist, and seven-rebound performance, nearly leading his team to a comeback. Following a putback dunk by Nurkic that gave Phoenix a late lead, Doncic set up Daniel Gafford for a game-tying alley-oop dunk in the closing seconds, but the Suns quickly responded.
Off the bench, Royce O’Neale made a significant impact for Phoenix, scoring 18 points on 7-for-8 shooting, including four three-pointers. Devin Booker also contributed, recording a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists, as the Suns’ bench outperformed Dallas’ reserves, a difference Kidd was quick to point out.
Dallas faced further struggles in the frontcourt, with Gafford limited by foul trouble and rookie center Dereck Lively II sidelined due to a shoulder injury. This forced Dwight Powell into extended minutes, but he, too, was restricted by five fouls.
