The Knicks will look to secure their first road win of the season against a coach they wanted to sign in the offseason. They’ll also be facing the league’s top rookie and a team currently mired in dysfunction.
As they enter Dallas, the Knicks carry an 0-4 record on the road, preparing for a matchup with the Mavericks, coached by Jason Kidd and featuring rising star Cooper Flagg.
Reports indicate there was interest from both sides for Kidd to join the Knicks after they let go of Tom Thibodeau. Kidd, who spent his last playing season with the Knicks, guided the Mavericks to the Finals after the 2023-24 season. However, the Mavericks reportedly denied the Knicks a chance to interview him and extended his contract instead. The Knicks ended up hiring Mike Brown as their new head coach.
Brown and Kidd’s seasons are off to contrasting starts. Despite a recent loss to the Heat, the Knicks hold a respectable 8-5 record under Brown, who has implemented an effective, free-flowing offensive strategy that relies heavily on three-pointers and has bolstered their bench strength. The potential had become apparent.
In stark contrast, the Mavericks find themselves struggling with a 4-11 record. After firing GM Nico Harrison following a controversial trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers last season, the team’s dynamics shifted, and they’ve lost momentum. Key player Anthony Davis, part of that trade, is currently sideline with a calf injury, and Kyrie Irving hasn’t returned since his ACL injury in March.
This season, Mavericks’ home games have turned into a challenging environment. Fans have frequently chanted for Harrison’s firing, which Kidd has described as “disrespectful.” Although Kidd acknowledged the fans’ frustration, he emphasized the need to move forward and recognize the players’ efforts since the trade.
Cooper Flagg, being the youngest player in the league, has faced his share of challenges. Expected to be a generational talent, he had been experiencing some ups and downs early on. Currently, he’s averaging 15.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, translating to a shooting percentage of 45.5% from the field and 29.3% from beyond the arc.
In his recent performances, however, Flagg has been finding his footing. Over the last five games, he’s upped his averages to 21.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks, shooting 50.0% overall and 33.3% from three. This improvement correlates with a strategic shift away from point guard duties, which Kidd had initially imposed to challenge him. Now, he appears more comfortable playing as a wing.
Flagg recently reflected on the responsibility that comes with the point guard position, admitting he may not have been prepared for that role fully. “I tried my best, but it helped to have support that could ease the stress,” he said, while maintaining he’s open to shifting back into that role in the future.
Complicating matters for the Knicks, they won’t have their top wing defender in OG Anunoby. This puts them at a disadvantage against Flagg, whose quickness could present matchup issues. For instance, Mikal Bridges might struggle to keep up, while Karl-Anthony Towns may lack the speed to effectively defend Flagg.
Sadly for the Knicks, they’re one of only two teams yet to win a game this season, the other being the Pacers. Towns commented on this rough patch, acknowledging the shared frustration within the locker room, especially given their history of success. “Just have confidence,” he encouraged. “We have a talented group, so let’s keep pushing through.”
Indeed, Kidd and Flagg will pose significant challenges for the Knicks in this matchup.
