In 2020-21 under Rick Carlisle, the Dallas Mavericks suffered another first-round playoffs exit. This 2021-22 under Jason Kidd, the same core plus Spencer Dinwiddie and minus Kristaps Porzingis made it to the Western Conference Finals.
Sure enough, Kidd has instilled something in the current Mavs that Carlisle wasn't able to during his time guiding the Luka Doncic-led group. And he admitted as much in a recent interview on 105.3 The Fan.
“Jason was able to bring an attitude that was needed,” Carlisle said of Kidd's work with the Mavs, per Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News.
While some would probably say that Jason Kidd brought a sound defensive scheme to the Mavs–considering they were ranked 21st in defensive rating last season under Rick Carlisle–the one-time champion coach isn't wrong on his take at all.
More than just defense, the Mavs' never-say-die attitude and confidence in each and every game was especially clear during the playoffs. Just look at what happened against the Suns in the second round. Despite falling 2-0, fought back and extended it to Game 7 before getting their first win on the road.
That mental toughness and resiliency was not seen from the Mavs since their 2011 title run with Carlisle coaching and Dirk Nowitzki leading the way. Clearly, Dallas made the right change and did well in bringing Kidd to get that champions mentality they have lost for years.
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