Kidd marvels at what Dončić has accomplished at a young age

BOSTON – Before Friday’s game against the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd allowed himself to think out loud about what Luka Dončić was able to accomplish during the first 24 years of his life.

That includes being named to five NBA All-Star games—four as a starter – during his first six seasons.

“It’s incredible what he’s done at 24, being one of the best players in the world, understanding the stage,” Kidd said. “He’s not afraid of the moment, and at his age he’s just gotten better. I can’t wait for 26.”

Dončić turned 25 on Wednesday and promptly celebrated that special occasion by scoring 30 points,  snatching 11 rebounds and doling out 16 assists during the 136-125 triumph over the Toronto Raptors. For an encore, Dončić tallied 37 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and distributed 11 assists during Friday’s 138-110 loss to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.

Kidd talked about the high IQ Dončić possesses, his fiery competitiveness, and how his level of intelligence keeps him several steps ahead of opposing players.

“He enjoys the game, he loves to play the game, he’s emotional (and) he is fiery,” Kidd said. “He believes he can take on the world and he can beat the world. And that’s what you want for your best player. At 25, he’s incredible.”

Kidd noted that Dončić is not satisfied with just being one of the NBA’s elite players and all that entails.

“I think there are small things that he’s working on that I’ve noticed that are hard, but no one outside of his room will know,” Kidd said. “But it’s really cool to see someone that’s so great just continue to work on their craft.

“The things that he’s working on now will only make the game easier for him.”

BRIEFLY: A Boston-area reporter attempted to get Mavs coach Jason Kidd to respond to last month’s trade that sent Grant Williams to the Charlotte Hornets for P.J. Washington. “I’m not here to compare anybody,” Kidd said. “If you want to ask me about how P.J. fits, P.J. fits. I’m not here to compare Grant and P.J.” The Celtics drafted Williams in the 2019 NBA Draft (No. 22 overall), and he played for them until they traded him to the Mavs last summer . . . Chiming in on the rich sports history the city of Boston is known for, Mavs forward Tim Hardaway Jr. said: “It’s one of the best sports town, if not probably the top tier sports town in the country. They’re very passionate fans. We know that. With me playing in New York for four years (with the Knicks) and being in the same division with then, I understand the magnitude of how it gets rowdy in here. You just got to embrace it.” . . . On the success newcomers Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington has brought to the Mavs, Hardaway said: “They came in and became a huge light for our team in a positive way. They’ve been doing exactly what the coaches tell them to do. They’re sponges (and) they want to win. They’re coming from organizations where they didn’t really win as much, respectfully. They’re coming here now learning new tendencies, learning how to play together as a team, but also having individual success as well. Once they realize that winning gives everyone success, then everything comes and it’s a beautiful thing.” . .  . On Jan. 31, 2019, the Mavs acquired Kristaps Porzingis in a blockbuster trade with the New York Knicks to form a formidable one-two punch along with Luka Dončić. But the Mavs wound up trading Porzingis to the Washington Wizards on Feb. 10, 2022. Dončić and Porzingis talked on the court after Friday’s game. “I talked to him for a little bit,” Dončić said. “He’s really happy that he’s here. I’m happy for him, too.” Dončić also talked to Celtics superstar forward Jayson Tatum after the game. “He’s just a great guy,” Dončić said. “We both have a lot of respect for each other, which is amazing. We just battled out there, and that’s it.” Dončić and Tatum are both in the running to win this season’s Most Valuable Player award.

X: @DwainPrice