Do you know the unsaid rule that post-game media sessions are not just a tradition, but an obligation for every NBA head coach? Well, after the Dallas Mavericks’ loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday, head coach Jason Kidd skipped his usual post-game press conference. This sudden move quickly stirred controversy across the NBA world. Reporters were stunned that in all their years covering the league, they couldn’t recall another coach making that choice. But Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki has Kidd’s back.

By Wednesday, Kidd finally addressed the situation. All he needed was time to process it all. Before the Mavericks’ game against the Warriors, he spoke to the media. “I felt bad,” Kidd admitted. “We lost a tough game. We lost another player. So I just needed some time to regroup, refocus, and figure out how to put these pieces back together.” His decision made sense. Even Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki stepped in, stressing how vital Kidd’s leadership is in this challenging stretch of the team.

At a recent conference, Nowitzki made his support for Kidd clear. “I got to give my guy J Kidd a shout-out. I think he’s been doing a phenomenal job with really the injuries,” he said. Fans immediately showed their approval, erupting in applause for the head coach. Nowitzki continued, “One after the next going out and the lineups they have to roll out there and sign guys….but then Kidd’s been having them together, believing in each other, and playing hard for each other.”

Any Mavericks fan would agree that the team is in one of its toughest stretches. But despite the setbacks, Kidd has kept them together, building chemistry with new players and keeping the fight alive. And Nowitzki’s support comes at the right time, and why wouldn’t he? After all, these two once helped the Mavericks to win the Championship!

Dirk Nowitzki’s fiery performance in the 2011 finals

Dirk Nowitzki spent 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, but 2011 still considered being the pinnacle of his career. That year, he became one of the greatest players in NBA history. On June 12, 2011, the Mavericks faced off against the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Holding a 3-2 series lead, Dallas had the chance to close out the series and win its first-ever championship. Nowitzki, alongside Jason Terry, rose to the occasion, leading the Mavericks to a 105-95 victory.

Nowitzki was unstoppable throughout the Finals. He averaged 26.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, delivering clutch performances when his team needed him most. His dominance earned him the NBA Finals MVP award, making him the second European to win it after Tony Parker in 2007 and the first German player to receive the honor.

The Mavericks had been underdogs throughout the playoffs, battling past powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder before facing the star-studded Miami Heat. Nowitzki’s leadership and resilience defined Dallas’ historic run, proving that teamwork and determination could triumph even against the prime Miami Heat. For Mavericks fans, 2011 will always be remembered as the year Nowitzki led them to glory. It was the year he silenced critics, defeated the league’s biggest superstars, and brought a championship to Dallas.