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NBAJason Kidd Blasts Mavericks Players for Throwing Away 27 Point Lead vs. Lakers
- Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd was not happy after his team squandered a 27-point to the Los Angeles Lakers to lose 111-108 at home
- He blasted his players for lacking maturity while also making a bizarre comment when asked about not calling a timeout
- Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were underwhelming throughout the game, combining for just 47 points
The Los Angeles Lakers mounted an incredible comeback from 27 points down to stun the Dallas Mavericks away from home.
They won 111-108 to record their second win after the All-Star break. Dallas coach Jason Kidd was not happy with his players, asking them to grow up.
The Mavericks have lost four of their last five games and won just three since Kyrie Irving joined the team. Irving and Luka Doncic are 1-3.
The two All-Stars combined for just 47 points, but both committed nine turnovers. The 23-year-old Slovenian finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, and five assists but struggled to make a mark after the first quarter.
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Irving finished the game with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.
Kidd reaction on Lakers defeat
Kidd was livid after the game, subtly calling out his players, especially Doncic. He told his team to grow up.
"As a team, we've got to mature. ... We've got to grow up -- if we want to win a championship. There's no young team that's ever won a championship, mentally or physically," via SI.
The Mavericks' starting lineup had four players who are 30 or older, except Doncic. Kidd, who won the NBA title with Dallas in 2011, made another odd comment when asked why he used one timeout in the second and third quarters.
"I'm not the savior here. I'm not playing. I'm watching, just like you guys."
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NBADoncic had a few back-and-forths with officials and said that distracted him and the team. Kidd appeared to aim a jibe at Doncic for his persistent arguments with officials.
"Can't get distracted with the whistle, and just keep playing. It just happens that way. We've seen a lot of basketball games. When you have big leads, you know which way the whistle is going to go."
The Mavericks find themselves 6th in the chaotic Western Conference and must improve soon or risk falling back, per CBS Sports.
Doncic on playing with Irving
Sports Brief earlier reported on Doncic explaining how he would play alongside Irving, who signed from the Nets a week ago.
He acknowledged he has never played with a ball-dominant player like the former Cleveland Cavaliers guard but is ready to play off the ball to accommodate him.
Doncic praised Irving, calling him the best ballhandler in the sport. However, the two stars are clearly learning to play together.