The February trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis and draft assets remains a flashpoint for Mavericks supporters, many of whom watched their homegrown hero lead Dallas to the NBA Finals just months before.

Despite acquiring top rookie Cooper Flagg through lottery luck, general manager Nico Harrison has struggled to earn back the fans’ trust, especially as Doncic electrifies Los Angeles with historic performances while the Mavericks stumble out of the gate.​

Harrison’s “defense-first” philosophy, paired with the new roster headlined by Davis, Flagg, and veteran Klay Thompson, has done little to offset the offensive void left by Doncic’s departure. The team’s inability to generate consistent scoring and find rhythm in critical moments has only fueled discontent.​

Fans Demand Change During Home Loss

After losses to both the Spurs and the Wizards to start the season, Mavericks fans let their voices be heard with thunderous, repeated cries of “Fire Nico!” late in Friday’s game.

Large sections of the arena were empty as the chants broke out, emphasizing the deep disappointment felt by many in the fan base.​

Head coach Jason Kidd, aware of mounting pressure, suggested patience and understanding in postgame remarks but acknowledged fans have the right to express their discontent over team direction and early results.​

Roster Adjustments And Early Struggles

Anthony Davis led the Mavericks in the Wizards loss with 27 points and 13 rebounds, and Flagg showed flashes with 18 points, but both performances fell short against a Wizards team rebuilding off an 18–64 season. Kyrie Irving remains sidelined recovering from an ACL tear, further complicating Dallas’s efforts to compete in a star-driven Western Conference.​

The Mavericks have acquired their first win of the season against the Toronto Raptors Sunday night, in a 139-129 victory.

With expectations high after last season’s playoff run and the Hoffnung invested in Flagg, the Mavericks face intense scrutiny moving forward — pressure unlikely to subside until results match the aspirations and the “Fire Nico” refrain fades into memory.