Credit&colon; Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Jason Kidd News Announced on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 2, 2026 1:39 PM ET

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd is in his fourth season leading the franchise, and the campaign has brought notable challenges. Dallas has struggled with consistency amid injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

The team has leaned heavily on rookie Cooper Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, to shoulder playmaking responsibilities well ahead of schedule. Close losses have defined stretches of the season, and late-game execution has remained a recurring issue, with Dallas holding the 11th best record in the Western Conference.

That frustration surfaced Saturday night during a 111-107 loss to the Houston Rockets. The game stayed tight throughout, but Dallas failed to convert key possessions down the stretch. The loss came despite Flagg delivering another impressive outing, finishing the night with 34 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, just two days after his historic 49-point performance against the Charlotte Hornets.

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The loss capped another difficult outing during a challenging stretch for the Mavericks, who have now lost four straight games. With 33 games remaining for Dallas in the regular season and questions mounting about the team, Kidd’s emotions boiled over after the final buzzer at Toyota Center.

On Monday, the NBA announced it had fined Kidd $35,000 for criticizing officiating and using profane language during a postgame media interview following the Houston loss. The league cited Kidd’s public comments directed at the officiating crew, including explicit language and criticism of how the game was managed.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/XnAJySBHb2
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 2, 2026

Kidd said he believed a late drive by Flagg should’ve drawn a foul and sent the rookie to the free-throw line.

“I saw a foul … they were awful tonight,” Kidd said of the crew postgame, calling the officiating “unacceptable” (via Mike Curtis of Dallas Morning News).

The disciplinary action adds to the tension surrounding Dallas as the season progresses. Kidd has been vocal in defense of his players during close losses, and the Mavericks will now look to refocus quickly.

Dallas aims to respond on the court when they return to action against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. Kidd and his staff will hope they can continue guiding a young roster led by Flagg through adversity in the middle of the schedule.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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