UPDATE: Tensions erupted at the American Airlines Center as Mavericks fans chanted “Fire Nico!” during a critical loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on November 13, 2023. The crowd’s demands for the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison overshadowed rookie Cooper Flagg‘s impressive career-high of 26 points as Dallas fell to 3-8 this season.
As the Mavericks clung to a slim 116-114 lead in the fourth quarter, chants for Harrison’s termination echoed through the arena, marking a significant moment in a game that saw a stunning comeback by Milwaukee. The call for change intensified when Flagg’s impressive performance should have taken center stage, including a breathtaking spin move against former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The chants began during P.J. Washington‘s free throw attempt with 7:07 left in the game and persisted through several late-game moments. The final chant rang out after Washington’s missed free throw with just 1.2 seconds remaining, sealing the Mavericks’ fate.
“Everybody has an opinion, so everybody’s entitled to that,” Washington commented. “At the end of the day, we just got to come out here and do our job.”
Mavericks’ governor Patrick Dumont, who attended the game for the first time since a disastrous loss to the San Antonio Spurs, remained silent amid the uproar. Reports suggest that Dumont’s patience with Harrison is dwindling, with sources indicating that a decision on Harrison’s future may be imminent.
The Mavericks are also grappling with the absence of power forward Anthony Davis, who has missed six of the team’s games due to a left calf strain. His return is uncertain, as medical staff advise caution to prevent further injury, highlighting a growing tension within the organization.
As the losses mount, players like center Daniel Gafford strive to maintain focus amid distractions. He stated, “It’s a lot of outside noise we can focus on, but the main focus should be us winning games.” Shooting guard Klay Thompson echoed this sentiment, urging the team to deliver results on the court to regain fan support.
Despite the chaos, Flagg’s performance was a bright spot. At just 18 years and 324 days, he tied LeBron James as the youngest player in NBA history to score over 25 points in a game. His impressive 26-point outing included nine rebounds and four assists, as he showcased his potential against a formidable opponent.
“That was incredible,” Thompson praised Flagg’s fearless play against Antetokounmpo. “He’s not afraid of the moment. It’s going to pay off huge dividends down the road.”
As the Mavericks head into their next matchup, the pressure mounts for Harrison and the management team. Fans are restless, and the atmosphere in Dallas is charged with uncertainty. Will the front office make a change? Can the Mavericks turn their season around? All eyes will be on the team as they look to bounce back and quell the growing unrest.