The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in a sad showdown. 94 to the Grizzlies’ 108, Kyrie Irving was in a really bad mood tonight. Talking to the media post-game, the Mavs coach, Jason Kidd, took it upon himself to explain what led to such a night for the team.
The Grizzlies, for their part, took complete advantage of the situation. A Doncic-less team, along with Tim Hardaway Jr. looked like the perfect prey for a stumbling Grizz.
Kidd takes the heat off the poor performance by Kyrie Irving
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“He probably got a little frustrated with getting face-guarded, and we have to do a better job of getting him the ball,” Kidd said to the reporters.
Jason Kidd says he’ll take the blame for not effectively countering Kyrie Irving being face-guarded in the Mavs’ loss against the Grizzlies:
“He probably got a little frustrated with getting face-guarded, and we have to do a better job of getting him the ball and knowing how to… pic.twitter.com/9ecK8Gv9zR
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) December 2, 2023
Kidd took it a step further when he said he was ready to take the blame. “I’ll take the blame for that because we didn’t put him in a good position to be successful.” While Kidd’s gracious offer was certainly appreciated, Irving wasn’t going to just let sleeping dogs (or in this case, bears) lie.
Talking to media after the game, Uncle Drew mentioned he had felt a “tweak” in his foot by the end of the first quarter. It was a discomfort that he tried his best to ignore and just go ahead with the game. But it’s safe to assume that the slight ‘tweak’ might have proved to be a bigger thorn.
Hinting at probably taking a breather for the next game, the foot issue might need a closer look. But that is not all Chief Hela had to say.
The team chemistry shines through in the post-game media talks
While the discomfort might have impacted his game, Irving does not view it as an excuse for the team’s performance. Including himself. With key players missing for tonight’s game, he realizes that he had to take the leadership position and guide his teammates.
Read More: Mavericks Injury Update: Why Will Luka Doncic Miss Tonight’s Game vs the Grizzlies?
Irving explains, “We knew that we had the talent tonight to be able to perform well and beat this team, but we just didn’t do that. And it starts with me as one of the leaders on the team, and just not playing my ultimate best and not bringing the energy that the game needs.” Kidd wasn’t the only one to blame.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But what warmed the hearts of fans and netizens alike was how everyone on the team took responsibility.
Jason Kidd: “I’ll take the blame…”
Kyrie Irving: “It starts with me as one of the leaders on the team.”
Grant Williams: “I got to be better as a teammate, be better as a leader, be better as a guy that can help and lift.”
Every person took accountability in post game.
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) December 2, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It just goes on to show how much these guys rely on and trust each other. Instead of pushing any one player in the direct line of fire, or even bring up excuses, they were ready to admit and accept the faults. And as long as this remains, the Mavericks can regroup and come back.
Watch This Story: Damian Lillard Wreaks Havoc as Mavs Choke in Clutch – 2 Takeaways as Bucks Nullify Luka “Magic” and Kyrie Irving Wizardry