Jason Kidd Rips Players For Their Defense: "It's Like a Shootaround"

The Dallas Mavericks surrendered another 130 points Wednesday night, in a 130-122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. It's the 3rd straight game they've given up 130 or more, and head coach Jason Kidd is getting tired of the defensive effort of his troops.

"If it's with this personnel," said Kidd, "then you've got to keep asking or demanding for those guys to play defense. It's not just the offensive end ... It's (like) a shootaround (out there). In this league, if you (play like) that, no matter if you have Luka or Kareem or LeBron, you're going to lose. It doesn't matter how many points you score, you're always going to be short.

"So until we put a better effort into playing defense and understanding what we have to do, we're going to score 120, but we're going to give up 130, 140. One night we might give up 150, but we'll be fine because we scored, so it doesn't look too bad," was how he facetiously wrapped up his rant.

The last time the Mavs held an opponent under 100 was a month ago, when they held the Timberwolves to 99. 

Dallas has lost six of their last eight games, and are now at 24-22 on the season. 

It's clear that this team isn't ready, as constituted, to be taken seriously as a title contender, which is why many around the league are insisting that the Mavs are going to be very active as we head to the trade deadline, with one intriguing two-man package already being considered.

Even their star Luka Doncic was said to be demanding the front office make some roster changes, though that was refuted by owner Mark Cuban. 

Photo: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports