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The possibility of the Dallas Mavericks sinking all the way down to the 14th seed in the Western Conference is continually increasing. Coach Jason Kidd and Co. have only managed to win two of their last 10 games. If they continue this decline, the Cooper Flagg-led team would likely usurp the Utah Jazz for the second-worst record. Admittedly, this could take a mental and emotional toll on the players. But, there is one thing that has been keeping them in check amid the 23-48 record.
Flagg credits Mavericks fans as tanking X Factor
Look, it is very easy to root for a team that is constantly at the top of the standings and competing annually for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. The inverse of that is way harder. Mavericks fans had to see Mark Cuban give up majority ownership, Luka Doncic get traded, Nico Harrison finally fired, and Kyrie Irving sidelined for a rough injury. Flagg and Kidd had to hold this team down despite all of those woes.
Usually, the vitriol against front offices and decisions would involve the team. Mavericks fans are different. These individuals know the difference between the business and the NBA and those who just want to hoop on a nightly basis. They have continually shown support throughout Flagg's rookie campaign.
The rising star out of the Duke Blue Devils system had nothing but gratitude for those who watch inside the AT&T Stadium and follow them on the road, via Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News.
"The fans are still showing up for us. Obviously we haven’t given them a lot to show up for every single night, and haven’t given them the wins, but I still have loved the support that they’ve given me and given the team. We just have to do a better job of giving them things to be happy for," Flagg said.
How dedicated are Mavericks fans, exactly? Well, their loss to the Los Angeles Clippers marked 11-consecutive failed attempts to defend their home. They are a few more loss away from unfortunately tying their worst consecutive loss record since 1994. If they do want to execute well on the tank job, the most losses they had consecutively at home was 19-straight defeats. Coach Kidd outlined that he knows that the Mavericks fans understand the situation the most over other franchises.
"I think we have the best sports fans, supportive. The fans still love their Mavs. These Mavs players today are playing hard and understanding they’re not playing as if their record is 20-something and 50. That just shows the character in that locker room, and the character of our fans. They’re smart basketball fans. And they understand the situation," the Mavericks head coach declared.
If things go well, these nights of constantly losing are going to end soon. Coach Kidd and Flagg's Mavericks only have 11 games left in their regular season schedule.
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