Mavericks’ Fans Chant “Fire Nico!” Amid Flagg’s Career Night

UPDATE: Tensions erupted at the American Airlines Center as Mavericks fans chanted “Fire Nico!” during a pivotal game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 13, 2023. This outcry for the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison overshadowed rookie Cooper Flagg‘s remarkable career-high of 26 points in a narrow 116-114 loss, marking Dallas’ record at 3-8 this season.

The Mavericks held a 13-point lead before the Bucks mounted a comeback, igniting frustration among fans who have been vocal about Harrison’s management since the controversial Luka Doncic trade. The chant first resonated in the arena with 7:07 left in the game, coinciding with P.J. Washington‘s free throw attempts, and echoed throughout the final minutes.

Mavs governor Patrick Dumont, attending his first game since a humiliating loss to the Spurs, remained stoic amidst the chants. Sources indicate that Dumont’s patience with Harrison is waning, with speculation that a decision on Harrison’s future could be imminent.

“Everybody has an opinion, so everybody’s entitled to that,” Washington remarked about the fan protests. “At the end of the day, we just got to come out here and do our job.”

As the Mavs struggle, Anthony Davis continues to be sidelined due to a left calf strain, contributing to the team’s dismal performance. Team insiders reported that Dumont has been involved in discussions about Davis’ return, showing a shift in trust regarding Harrison’s decisions.

Despite the chaos surrounding the franchise, Flagg shone brightly on the court. At just 18 years and 324 days old, he tied LeBron James as the youngest player in NBA history to score over 25 points in a game. His standout moment came with a stunning drive past former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, showcasing his potential amidst a tumultuous season.

Giannis scored 15 of his 30 points in the crucial fourth quarter, helping propel the Bucks to their largest fourth-quarter comeback since 2017. Flagg’s fearless play impressed teammates, with Klay Thompson praising his audacity to challenge one of the league’s elite in a high-pressure moment.

“That was incredible,” Thompson said. “Fearless. I love that Cooper did that. It’s going to pay off huge dividends down the road.”

As the Mavericks navigate this challenging period, players are urging focus on performance rather than external distractions. Center Daniel Gafford emphasized the need to win back the fans through hard work and dedication. “That’s plain and simple, honesty. We can’t really just focus on that,” he stated.

Moving forward, the Mavs must address both their on-court strategies and the growing unrest among their supporters. With the season still young, the urgency to turn things around is palpable as Dallas prepares for their next matchup, hoping to quell the mounting frustrations of their fanbase.