Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd analyzed the team’s 129-119 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, emphasizing the challenges of defending a high-powered offense.
“Reaves got going there… they started to knock down those threes that they missed in the first half,” Kidd said, acknowledging how Austin Reaves’ shooting changed the game’s momentum.
Kidd addressed the point guard rotation, explaining the benching of D’Angelo Russell. “We want to look at the two guards, Ryan and B-Will… just trying to get some minutes to see if we can be consistent here,” he said.
The coach reflected on Dallas’ fourth-quarter collapse after holding a lead early. “They made shots. The double team is going to promote wide-open looks, and they knocked them down. We got to be better in that rotation,” Kidd explained, noting the need for defensive adjustments against versatile scorers.
Rookie Cooper Flagg drew specific praise for his performance. “He almost had a triple double tonight… he has some great passes, some high-low, a great high-low to PJ,” Kidd said, recognizing Flagg’s composure and basketball IQ under pressure.
Kidd also commented on Anthony Davis’ return and how it impacted team dynamics. “With the minutes, we got to try and maximize that… being able to play him at the five tonight, I thought Ryan did a good job of getting him touches early,” Kidd noted, emphasizing the strategic adjustments needed for Davis’ limited role.
Turnover management emerged as a bright spot for Dallas despite the loss. “Probably a season low for us… to have only 11 turnovers tonight and not 20 or 23, that helps,” Kidd said.
The Mavericks were led by P.J. Washington’s 22 points, Ryan Nembhard’s 17, and Max Christie’s 13 against his former team, but they were outpaced by Reaves’ 38 points and Luka Doncic’s 35 with 11 assists. The Lakers turned a close game into a double-digit lead during a decisive fourth-quarter 13-1 run, fueled by clutch shooting and interior scoring from Deandre Ayton.
Looking ahead, Dallas travels to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, while the Lakers host New Orleans. Kidd expressed optimism about building on individual growth and defensive rotations despite the setback.
