Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has passionately defended Luka Doncic amid heavy media criticism of his defense. Kidd emphasized that Doncic has been targeted in every pick and roll by the Celtics and has a 'bullseye on his chest.' Despite the criticism, Kidd believes Doncic has improved his defense and will learn from these experiences. Kidd also noted that personal attacks have been directed at Doncic, but he remains confident that Doncic will come back stronger, drawing parallels to other great players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The Mavericks are trailing 3-0 in their series, and Kidd stressed the importance of playing their best basketball in Game 4, which will be aired at 8:30pm/et on ABC.
“If you watch the Mavs, Luka has improved his defense... Sometimes when you are a free agent in the media business, you got to say something crazy to get a new contract or for likes, or clicks." Jason Kidd defends Luka Doncic after he got heavy media criticism about his defense… https://t.co/znjpDGHy1A
"The talk is no different than [Game] 1, 2 or 3... we got to play 48 minutes of our best basketball tonight" - Jason Kidd on the pregame messaging while trailing 3-0 Game 4: 8:30pm/et on ABC https://t.co/WchkSqTcVg
Impassioned defense of Luka Doncic from Jason Kidd pregame against what he calls personal attacks against him. No matter what happens tonight, have to think Doncic will remember this.
Jason Kidd spending the majority of his pregame passionately defending Luka Doncic from what he calls personal attacks.
Jason Kidd on the criticism Luka Doncic has been receiving: “Give my man a break … He will be better. Hopefully he’s better tonight”
Kidd, with a chuckle: “He will be better. Hopefully tonight.” https://t.co/lpn5oKqurk
Kidd: “When you’re on the biggest stage, someone’s gotta poke a hole. This will only make the great ones better. Michael, LeBron, the GOATS, they were all poked at and came back stronger and better.” https://t.co/lpn5oKqurk
Jason Kidd on the criticism of Luka Dončić: “There have been some personal attacks on him, but he will learn from them and come back better.”
if you could give Jason Kidd one coaching advice for Game 4, what would it be? https://t.co/uqRYWQV9LI
“Somewhere in this game there’s gonna be a point where someone is going to make a stand or let go of the rope.” Jason Kidd on the upcoming Game 4.
Jason Kidd said the Mavericks need to do a better job of protecting Luka Doncic. Kidd said Doncic has been involved in every defensive action and praised the Celtics for how well they can hunt who they want to attack.
Jason Kidd on Luka Doncic: “He’s got a bullseye on his chest. He’s gotta be able to guard.” (h/t @YahooSports) https://t.co/qvt2XmS4CV
Jason Kidd said Luka Doncic has a bullseye on his chest. Celtics are putting him in every pick and roll and attacking. He has to be able to guard, Kidd said.