Kidd Criticizes Officials for Missing Calls Against Cooper Flagg

Avery K. Bristow

Published: February 1, 2026 1:21 AM ET

In a recent clash on February 1, 2026, the Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Houston Rockets. The game ended in a narrow 111-107 defeat for the Mavericks. However, the spotlight was on rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. He had just set a franchise scoring record and scored 34 points, but his coach, Jason Kidd, was furious about missed calls involving Flagg.

Kidd Criticizes Officials for Missing Calls Against Cooper Flagg

Late in the game, with the score tied and just 25 seconds remaining, Flagg drove towards the basket but did not receive a foul call on what Kidd described as an obvious infraction. This drive could have tied the game, but Flagg missed the layup and fell to the floor. Following the game, Kidd expressed his displeasure with referees Sean Wright, Simone Jelks, and Jason Goldenberg.

Coach’s Comments

Kidd stated: “The referees were unacceptable. It’s a foul, and he needs to be at the free throw line.”
He emphasized that the officiating was “terrible” during the game.

Flagg, despite the missed call, recorded a stellar performance, contributing 12 rebounds and 5 assists. This achievement marked him as the first teenager in NBA history to achieve back-to-back 30-point double-doubles.

Flagg’s Historic Performance

Flagg scored 49 points against the Charlotte Hornets earlier in the week, a record for a teenager in the NBA.
His combined total of 50 paint points in consecutive games is the highest for any rookie since the play-by-play era began in 1997-98.

Rockets star Kevin Durant acknowledged Flagg’s exceptional skills, adding, “He’s figured it out. He understands that he’s tough to stop.” Flagg noted that while he felt contact during his driving layup, he understood that officiating decisions are ultimately beyond his control.

Officiating and Future Prospects

Flagg averaged 4.5 free throws per game this season.
This was only the fifth instance of him attempting more than ten free throws in a game.
Kidd praised Flagg’s resilience and determination not to get discouraged by missed calls.

Although Flagg has not publicly criticized the refereeing throughout his rookie season, he appreciates Kidd’s support. Flagg stated, “I feel like JK has a lot of trust in me, and I have a lot of trust in him.” This relationship bodes well for Flagg’s development in the league.

As the Mavericks continue their season, the potential for growth and improvement is significant, particularly with players like Cooper Flagg leading the way.