DALLAS — The home crowd booed loudly at the American Airlines Center during a timeout midway through the third quarter Friday night when the Dallas Mavericks trailed the Charlotte Hornets by 18 points.
“We probably should have been booed in the first quarter,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said after a 117-109 loss to a Charlotte team that left Dallas (36-38) 11th in the standings. Western Conference qualification, one place outside the play-in stage.
Kidd described the Mavs’ effort as “horrible” and “dog crap” in the first quarter, when the Hornets (24-51) scored 37 points despite losing three starters and playing on the second straight night.
“The interest level was not high,” Kidd said. “It was just disappointing.”
Dallas entered the game as a 16-point favorite, making it the biggest upset in the NBA this season, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
The Mavs’ only lead in the game occurred after luka doncic he drove for a floater after the opening possession. The Hornets led as many as 21 points before Dallas rallied in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to one with 8:30 remaining, only for Charlotte to immediately respond with a 10-0 run.
Dallas is 7-12 since All-Star guard Kyrie Irving he joined the team following a successful trade with the Brooklyn Nets that Mavs management hoped would increase his chances of competing this season. That includes 3-7 when Irving and Doncic, who have dealt with nagging injuries, are in the starting lineup together.
“We have to fight hard, play harder,” said Doncic, who had 34 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in his second outing since returning from a five-game absence with a left hamstring strain. “That’s it. We have to show we care and it starts with me first. I just have to lead this team, be better, play harder. It’s up to me.”
Doncic, who was fined $35,000 by the NBA earlier in the day for making a money sign gesture towards refs late in Wednesday’s disputed loss to the Golden State Warriors, acknowledged that he is as frustrated as he has been. during his five-year career.
“I think you can see it with me on the court,” Doncic said. “Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it’s me. I’m just out there. I used to have so much fun, smiling on the court, but it’s been so frustrating for so many reasons, not just basketball.”
When asked what else was bothering him, Doncic cited issues in his private life.
Irving scoffed at what he called “the nice words sports love to put around, like hope and worry,” saying an adjustment period was anticipated after a major midseason trade. Injuries to Doncic and Irving, who has missed a total of four games with a sore right foot, have complicated that process.
However, Irving attributed the Mavs’ poor start against the Hornets to a lack of energy.
“We’re a very collected group on days when I feel like we’re doing our best, and then on days when the energy falters or we don’t start well or the offense doesn’t go or people aren’t taking shots, there could be a emotional drive in other directions that can dictate the outcome of games,” said Irving, who had 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, but shot poorly (6-of-16 from the floor, including 1-of-8). from the 3 point range).
“I’ve been to New York City, so I know what that’s like. Obviously you want to play well, but only five people on the court can play for the Dallas Mavericks. If the fans want to switch places, then hey, be my guest.” I have years of work ahead of me to be good enough to be at this level.”
Kyrie Irving
“And we’re still feeling each other out to get used to each other’s efforts and attitudes and tempers. And that’s a real thing. That’s a human thing. That’s a human element. Whether people believe it in the Basketball or not, there’s a fine line between winning basketball games and everybody being on the same page and losing basketball games and things chipping away and pointing fingers.”
As much as Kidd felt the boos were deserved, Irving felt the fan reaction was irrelevant.
“So? So what? The way I feel about it,” Irving said. “I’ve been to New York City, so I know what that’s like. Obviously you want to play well, but only five people on the court can play for the Dallas Mavericks. If the fans want to switch places, then hey.” , be my guest. I have years of work ahead of me to be good enough to be at this level. But our focus isn’t necessarily on the booing. It should be in our performance and just being there for each other.”
