Mavericks fans reacted strongly to Jason Kidd’s comments about Klay Thompson “Well we’re trying to get stops”

The Dallas Mavericks suffered another tough loss on Saturday night, marking their third defeat in four games. This time, it was at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, who dominated from start to finish, exposing the Mavericks’ defensive vulnerabilities and lack of offensive depth. Despite Kyrie Irving’s efforts, Dallas failed to keep up with a red-hot Bucks team, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s strategic decisions—especially the controversial move by head coach Jason Kidd to bench Klay Thompson during a crucial stretch of the game.

Dallas Mavericks’ Struggles Continue Amid Injuries and Lineup Adjustments

The Mavericks entered the game shorthanded, already dealing with several injuries that limited their depth. Luka Dončić had been traded just before the deadline, leaving Kyrie Irving as the primary scoring option. In addition, newly acquired Anthony Davis was ruled out due to an injury sustained in his first game with Dallas, and big men Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively were also sidelined. This left the Mavericks struggling to find consistent offensive firepower and rim protection against a high-scoring Milwaukee team.

From the outset, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks capitalized on Dallas’ defensive lapses, building an early lead that they never relinquished. The Mavericks’ perimeter defense was particularly weak, allowing the Bucks to connect on a high percentage of their three-point attempts. As the game progressed, Jason Kidd made a decision that would soon become the focal point of heated debate—benching Klay Thompson for the entire third quarter.

Jason Kidd’s Justification for Benching Klay Thompson

Following the game, Jason Kidd addressed the media regarding his decision to leave Thompson on the bench during a pivotal stretch. According to Joey Mistretta on X (formerly Twitter), Kidd explained his reasoning by pointing to the team’s struggles on defense.

“We were trying to get stops,” Kidd said. “We were having a hard time stopping them. We took Klay and P.J. Washington out because P.J. was dealing with an injury. When looking at our defense and our inability to guard the three-point line, we had to make some adjustments. Unfortunately, we didn’t do a good enough job tonight.”

While Kidd’s comments focused on defense, many analysts and fans were quick to question whether it made sense to keep one of the team’s best shooters off the floor when they desperately needed scoring to mount a comeback.

Social Media Erupts Over Kidd’s Decision

Almost immediately after the game, social media erupted with criticism of Jason Kidd’s handling of the rotation. Many fans argued that Thompson’s shooting could have helped close the gap, especially considering Kyrie Irving struggled to carry the offensive load alone.

One user on X sarcastically questioned Kidd’s logic: “Isn’t the goal to win? Klay was shooting well, yet he barely played in the second half. Make it make sense.”

Another fan pointed out the Mavericks’ lack of perimeter scoring without Thompson on the floor: “Klay was the only one hitting threes consistently. Kyrie’s shooting has been off, and yet he benches Klay? Unreal.”

The frustration from fans is understandable. While Klay Thompson may not be the elite two-way player he once was, his three-point shooting ability remains a valuable asset—especially in a game where the Mavericks were struggling to generate consistent offense.

Klay Thompson’s Role Moving Forward

Since joining the Mavericks, Klay Thompson’s integration into the team has been a work in progress. At 34 years old, Thompson is no longer the defensive stopper he was in his prime with the Golden State Warriors, but his ability to stretch the floor remains a crucial weapon. However, his role has been inconsistent under Jason Kidd, raising questions about how the team plans to use him moving forward.

With Luka Dončić gone, the Mavericks must redefine their offensive strategy. Kyrie Irving remains the team’s primary scorer, but he needs a reliable second option. Klay Thompson, despite his defensive limitations, has the potential to fill that role. However, Kidd’s decision to bench him in key moments suggests a lack of trust, which could impact Thompson’s confidence and rhythm.

Defensive Struggles Highlight Larger Issues for the Mavericks

While much of the post-game discussion revolved around Klay Thompson’s benching, the Mavericks’ defensive struggles were just as concerning. Without Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively, Dallas lacked size in the paint, allowing the Bucks to dominate inside. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a field day, and the Mavericks had no answer for Milwaukee’s offensive schemes.

Additionally, Dallas’ perimeter defense was exposed, with Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton getting open looks throughout the game. Even if Kidd’s decision to sit Thompson was meant to prioritize defense, the results suggest it didn’t have the intended effect.

Looking Ahead: Can the Mavericks Bounce Back?

With three losses in their last four games, the Mavericks are in a difficult spot. Injuries have depleted their roster, and they are still adjusting to the post-Dončić era. Jason Kidd must find a way to maximize his available talent, which includes finding a more defined role for Klay Thompson.

Their next challenge comes against the Sacramento Kings, another high-scoring team with dynamic perimeter players. If Jason Kidd wants to avoid further criticism, he may need to rethink his rotational decisions—especially when it comes to utilizing his best shooters effectively.

With the Western Conference playoff race heating up, every game is crucial. The Mavericks cannot afford to let winnable games slip away due to questionable coaching decisions. Whether Kidd sticks with his defensive-first approach or adjusts to give his shooters more playing time will be a key storyline to watch in the coming weeks.