‘We Just Gotta Keep Fighting’: Jason Kidd Outlines Keys For Dallas Mavericks Against Ja Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies

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'We Just Gotta Keep Fighting': Jason Kidd Outlines Keys For Dallas Mavericks Against Ja Morant's Memphis Grizzlies

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd stressed effort, defense, and discipline ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, emphasizing that his team must continue to battle through shooting struggles and lineup adversity.

“We just gotta keep fighting,” Kidd said before the game. “Keep taking those shots, keep practicing, watching film, talking about it, and working through this struggle. It just happens that we’re struggling early. Sometimes it happens in the middle of the season, sometimes it happens at the end.”

The Mavericks enter the contest at 2–6, still searching for offensive rhythm while maintaining a top-tier defensive rating. Friday’s game also marks the team’s first NBA Cup appearance, with Dallas placed in Group B alongside the LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Grizzlies.

Memphis, meanwhile, holds a 3–6 record and is also looking to steady itself following a turbulent start.

Rebounding and Defensive Control

Containing Ja Morant and limiting Memphis’ second-chance opportunities are top priorities for Dallas. Kidd said Morant’s ability to generate paint pressure, draw fouls, and create transition chances can quickly tilt the game’s momentum if not contained.

“You start with Ja — he can hurt you in all different ways, getting to the rim or the free throw line,” Kidd said. “The percentages might not be what he wants, but he’s still a capable three-point shooter.”

Kidd emphasized that Dallas must keep Morant out of the lane and force Memphis to settle for contested jump shots, particularly with the Grizzlies ranking among the league’s lower half in perimeter efficiency. That responsibility will fall largely on Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, and P.J. Washington, who have each taken turns defending primary scorers.

“You have two teams that might not be shooting the ball well right now, so it’s about rebounding, keeping them off the boards because they’re all going to crash, and keeping them off the free throw line,” he said. “That’s a big thing for them in their offense — they get to the line a lot.”

Rebounding and interior defense remain top priorities for Dallas, particularly with Anthony Davis (calf) out and Dereck Lively II still recovering from a right knee injury. Kidd noted that limiting Memphis’ second-chance points and transition opportunities will be crucial.

“You have two teams that might not be shooting the ball well right now, so it’s about rebounding, keeping them off the boards because they’re all going to crash, and keeping them off the free throw line,” Kidd said. “That’s a big thing for them in their offense — they get to the line a lot.”

The Mavericks will continue to rely heavily on P.J. Washington, who has emerged as one of the team’s most versatile defenders and leaders. Washington is averaging 15.8 points and 8.6 rebounds, while handling assignments at multiple positions. Kidd said his ability to anchor small-ball lineups has helped keep the team competitive through early injuries.

“Just due to the health of our team, we’ve had to go small,” Kidd said. “P.J.’s shown that — being able to shoot the three, playmake, and score. He’s been incredible.”

Finding Offensive Rhythm

Dallas’ struggles inside the paint and from three-point range have been defining issues during its 2–6 start. Kidd said he’s encouraged by the team’s approach and spacing but wants to see more composure on high-percentage looks.

“When you look at our defense being ranked in the top five or top 10, and you look at the pace — it’s just our shooting that’s horrendous,” Kidd said. “We can’t make shots on a consistent basis. We’re getting great looks, but our defense is keeping us in games. So we have to keep fighting.”

Kidd also highlighted Klay Thompson’s move to a reserve role as a strategic adjustment meant to boost the team’s scoring depth.

“I thought him coming off the bench gave us a spark,” Kidd said. Thompson had 11 points in 21 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to New Orleans, shooting 4-of-7 from the field and 3-of-6 from three.

The Mavericks will continue to feature Cooper Flagg in different offensive spots as he adapts to his expanded responsibilities.

“Continuity for him is important,” Kidd said. “He’s an 18-year-old rookie, and he’s doing the best that he can.”

The Road Ahead

While Dallas remains short-handed, Kidd said the team’s mentality and defensive consistency will keep them in games.

“We just gotta keep fighting, keep taking those shots, keep practicing, watching film, talking about it, and working through this struggle,” Kidd said.

With Memphis battling its own shooting woes, Friday’s contest will likely come down to energy plays, rebounding, and shot selection — areas the Mavericks are determined to control as they seek their third win of the season.