Jason Kidd highlighted Dallas’ bench as a key factor in the Mavericks’ 111–105 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday at Capital One Arena. Naji Marshall led the charge with 30 points off the bench, sparking a first-quarter 19–0 run that set the tone for the game.
Kidd credited the bench for maintaining composure and executing ball movement. “Just the ball movement, the trust, making a play for a teammate…Tonight the ball did go down, and it shows the trust and belief,” he said, noting the collective effort of all 11 players who scored in the opening quarter.
Cooper Flagg’s versatility and aggression impressed the coach. “He was able to get the rebound, push, and find teammates…he took full advantage of the energy we needed, especially on the back-to-back,” Kidd said. Flagg contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Moussa Cisse also earned praise for his energy and impact. “No matter what part of the game, he’s going to give everything he has…Even if he didn’t score, he caused problems and sealed for layups,” Kidd explained. Cisse’s effort reinforced Dallas’ intensity on both ends.
Brandon Williams made a difference with speed and positioning. “Being able to use his speed, set screens, and get wide open looks…his defense and steals were big,” Kidd said, highlighting his impact on the Mavericks’ offensive and defensive balance.
Kidd emphasized the importance of veteran leadership, citing CJ McCollum of Washington as a model for young players. “Just a vet who’s played at a very high level…he was really good tonight,” Kidd said, noting the value of a steady presence in guiding younger teammates.
The Mavericks’ fourth-quarter execution sealed the victory. Kidd praised their defense, rebounding, and transition scoring, noting, “We were able to hold them, rebound, and execute down the stretch.” P.J. Washington Jr. scored eight points in the final five minutes to secure the win.
Kidd acknowledged the team’s resilience despite injuries to Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson. He highlighted Dallas’ ability to convert points in the paint and capitalize on second-chance opportunities, pointing to the carryover from lessons learned in their previous game against Memphis.
