The Dallas Mavericks are headed to the NBA Finals after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. Head coach Jason Kidd now has an opportunity to win a championship with the Mavs as both a player and a coach.
Kidd shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) after the Mavs' Game 5 victory.
“Happy to bring the Western Conference championship back to Dallas. But our mission isn't finished. Get ready Dallas! We're going to The #NBAFinals,” Kidd wrote.
Kidd has led the Mavs to the Western Conference Finals twice in his three years as the team's head coach. And now he has a chance to lead them to an NBA championship.
The Mavericks head coach received some criticism after Dallas missed the postseason during the 2022-23 campaign. However, the Mavs have certainly rebounded this year.
Mavs assistant coach Jared Dudley gave Kidd a shoutout after Dallas clinched an NBA Finals appearance.
“Next Stop NBA FINALS! It’s time for JKIDD to get his (flowers). Man been coaching his a** off! Humbled and Honored to be able to learn from one of the greatest basketball minds in the game has EVER seen!” Dudley wrote.
NBA world reacts to Jason Kidd, Mavs reaching Finals
NBA fans and players took to X to react to Kidd and the Mavs reaching the NBA Finals after Thursday's Game 5 win.
“Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks new majority team owners Dr. Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont, my friends GM Nico Harrison and Head Coach Jason Kidd, stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and the entire Mavericks team for advancing to the NBA Finals!” Magic Johnson wrote.
“Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks and my good friend Jason Kidd on their well-earned victory. Best of luck to Luka, Kyrie, and the entire organization representing the Western Conference in the Finals,” Alex Rodriguez added.
“Full circle moment for Jason Kidd,” MFFL Nation wrote.
Kidd stressed the importance of remaining calm all season long. He also credited the team's resilience throughout the 2023-24 campaign. Dallas unquestionably endured a number of highs and lows, but they remained confident throughout.
Will Mavs upset Celtics?
The Mavericks will be in for an immense challenge against the Boston Celtics. Boston led the Eastern Conference for most of the regular season and continued to perform well in the postseason.
With that being said, Dallas has played well as an underdog. They have what it takes to win in the big moments. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving both seem to play even better in the clutch moments.
Upsetting the Celtics will not be easy, but it is not impossible. Perhaps Jason Kidd can help lead the Mavericks to a 2024 NBA championship.