“Every great story has an exciting next chapter… Dallas—here we come!” Anthony stated after falling victim to the harsh business side of basketball. Yet he was ready for the challenge. But the story is turning out to be far from a great one. The controversies, the drama in the media, not finding a house in Dallas for his family, and then the injury. That’s one after another badly articulated page in his new chapter. So if AD is frustrated, then he probably has every reason to be so, and coach Kidd can feel it.

During the post-game press conference, Jason Kidd entered the Xs and Os of the Mavs’ current scenario. Speaking of Anthony Davis, Kidd credited the Dallas newcomer for reading the game to perfection. “I think AD is one that he understands how to play the game. If things aren’t going well, he can playmake. I thought he made some great plays for us. And then, again, defensively, being able to rebound, block shots, or give us the luxury of whoever he’s on, just playing one-on-one,” Kidd said.

Davis didn’t have the most spectacular of nights in terms of shooting, but he made sure to leave his mark on the game. With two important blocks and a steal, AD ensured his dimes found his teammates without forcing things from the deep. “And there’s gonna be times if he doesn’t win the battle, but there’s gonna be times when he does. And his offense will come,” the HC doubled down on his faith in Davis. He played three games out of four on this road stretch and went without scoring over 20 points in any of them. The HC has hopes, but fans are eager to see the Davis of the Lakers in action in the Mavs’ colors. But when?

Last night’s 18 was the most after his injury, showing signs of getting back into rhythm. But the lack of it at the moment, on top of being on minute restrictions, is frustrating the 32-year-old, Kidd confirmed. “I think the rhythm, the four minute stints, he might be getting a little frustrated with. But I think as we can continue to build on positive, healthy experiences, hopefully we can move up the minutes.”

The narrow escape against a highly charged-up Bulls side was all the Mavs needed to stay at the 9th seed, with half a game separating them from the Kings and 1.5 from the 11th-seed Suns. With seven more games remaining, keeping that final play-in spot secured is the only focus for the Dallas side before getting the front-court reinforcements back. But what of the back court? That’s one gaping hole in the roster yet to be addressed following the Luka Doncic trade. And Jason Kidd is wary of it.

Jason Kidd confesses Mavs’ biggest blunder since the Anthony Davis trade

When Nico Harrison traded for Davis, he made it abundantly clear that defense is the path to the Mavs’ first championship since 2011. That plan backfired quickly afterward when Kyrie Irving hit the shelf. The issue is further convoluted with the absence of Derrick Lively, Daniel Gafford, and more. There was no backup for Ky and that became evident as running the offense through Brandon Williams proved the blunder. But for Kidd, transforming is the only option.

“I think that’s a key word — transforming. We were built around Ky and Luka and things changed. And then also with the injuries, things changed again,” Kidd said. “Understanding B Will was great again tonight, this being his last game. Hopefully he continues to keep working because he’s shown us a lot here.” Williams’ two-way contract wasn’t converted into a regular contract, making the game in Chicago his last this season.

This further complicates the rotation issue for Kidd, who has done remarkably well to keep the team afloat given the circumstances. Now all that is left is to soldier through the final seven games before regrouping for the play-ins around Anthony Davis.