Dallas Mavericks HC Jason Kidd David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Jason Kidd inspires the Mavericks after Game 1 loss

By Sai Mohan | Last updated Jun 7, 2024 12:47 PM ET

On paper, a 107-89 loss would suggest that the Dallas Mavericks ran into a Boston Celtics buzzsaw in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, which they did. The Celtics were nearly spotless in the first half. But those with a keen eye might observe that Dallas was one mini-run away from being within striking distance in the third quarter.

The Celtics led 58-31 with 2:56 left in the first half. Thereafter, the Dallas outscored Boston 58-49 the rest of the way. By the halftime break, Dallas had eaten away into the 27-point lead by six and their coach Jason Kidd sounded very pleased with their late second-quarter efforts.

"Let's have some fun," Kidd told his players. "This is basketball. Have fun. We're gonna win the third quarter, build on the third quarter and then we win the fourth quarter. Alright?"

Kidd remained equally positive after the game, reminding his squad that they "won" the third and fourth quarters, outscoring the Celtics 24-23 and 23-21, respectively.

"How did we do? We won the third. How did we do in the fourth? Does anybody know? We won the fourth," Kidd said. "Do you understand that? We've got to build on it."

Kidd then touched upon some Xs and Os.

Kidd's motivational speeches in the locker room have surely gone a long way in helping his Mavericks stay alive into June this season. Back in his on-court days, Kidd was known for his leadership both as a floor general and off the court. Former teammates such as Dirk Nowitzki and Richard Jefferson have spoken glowingly about Kidd's ability to motivate his troops, especially in a trying playoff setting.

During the 2011 NBA Finals, for example, Kidd was cited as the person who instilled belief in the Mavs after they fell down 2-1 to the Miami Heat. The team would go on to win four straight contests to take the title.

If Kidd can lead the Mavs to another championship, he would become one of the few players in history to win a ring with a franchise as both a player and a coach, joining the Celtics' Bill Russell (player-coach), KC Jones and Tom Heinsohn and the Philadelphia 76ers' Billy Cunningham.

Sai Mohan

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

More must-reads: