We're one game into the 2024 NBA Finals and Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd is already playing mind games.
Dallas was routed by the Celtics in Game 1, trailing by as much as 29 points before falling 107-89 in what was the Mavericks' lowest-scoring output of the playoffs.
Kristaps Porzingis' return proved to be the difference maker. He made a loud impact with 11 points and two blocks in the first quarter to get Boston out to a comfortable lead it wouldn't surrender.
The Celtics had a balanced attack with six different players scoring in double figures. Jaylen Brown was the best player on the floor that night, going for 22 points, three blocks, and three steals. Jayson Tatum had a quiet scoring game for his standards, finishing with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.
Those two superstars are no strangers to comparison, often pinned against each other instead of celebrated for how well they complement each other.
Kidd tried to stir the pot to create a distraction for Boston, outright calling Brown the Celtics' best player in his media availability before Game 2.
MORE: Biggest takeaways from Game 1 of the NBA Finals
Mavs coach Jason Kidd says Jaylen Brown is Celtics 'best player'
Kidd knew exactly what he was doing when he told a packed media room in Boston that Brown was the Celtics' best player ahead of Game 2.
The Mavericks head coach was asked what makes going up against Brown so challenging. He laughed and thought for a moment before he delivered an answer that he knew would go viral.
"Well, Jaylen's their best player," Kidd began. "What he does defensively. He picked up Luka full court, he got to the free throw line, he did everything. That's what your best player does."
Jason Kidd was asked what makes going up against Jaylen Brown so challenging:
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) June 8, 2024
“Well, Jaylen’s their best player.” pic.twitter.com/iIYbXgZw1m
There is no doubt that Kidd was trying to ignite the controversial conversation that has bubbled up around Boston's two stars in the past.
MORE: How the Celtics shut down Luka Doncic's passing attack in Game 1
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown respond to Jason Kidd's comment
Tatum, Brown, and the Celtics saw straight through Kidd's tactic.
"I have no reaction," Brown said with a blank stare. "I think it's a team game, and we're trying to focus on that. Everybody has their own opinions."
Tatum shrugged off Kidd's comment, echoing Brown's statement.
"No reaction. This is a team sport. We understand that we wouldn't be here if we didn't have JB on our team. ... We understand that people try and drive a wedge in between us, and I guess it's a smart thing to try to do.
"We've been in this position for many years. Guys trying to divide us or say one of us should be traded or one's better than the other. This isn't our first time at the rodeo."
"No reaction. This is a team sport. ...This is not our first time at the rodeo.
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 8, 2024
JT's response to Jason Kidd's comments 👀 pic.twitter.com/DxCkarjrgE
Other Celtics players like Al Horford laughed off Kidd's comment, saying, "J-Kidd, man. I see what he's doing."
Head coach Joe Mazzulla hardly entertained the question when asked about it, but he was very outspoken on how he disagrees with the way Tatum and Brown are talked about going into the NBA Finals.
"I think it’s stupid that people have to use those guys' names and use things they don’t know to create clickbait so that they can stay relevant," Mazzulla said in a long-winded rant.
Veteran guard Jrue Holiday had a different take, however. In fact, he agreed with Kidd's assessment, although it's unclear whether he believed Kidd was referring to Brown's performances during the postseason or the broader concept that Brown is a better player than his teammates, including Tatum.
"I don't think he's lying," Holiday said. "JB's been aggressive in every single way. He's been getting to the paint, getting to the free throw line, also making plays for other people. And then, he's guarding Luka, he's guarding their best player. ... Where does your best player have such a load on the offensive end and then just as equal a heavy load on the defensive end."
Nevertheless, it appears that Kidd is going to have to do more than create a headline to interfere with Boston's level of focus.