**Wizards Defeat Mavericks 117-107 Amid Fan Frustration and “Fire Nico” Chants**
**DALLAS** — The Washington Wizards defeated the Dallas Mavericks 117-107 on Friday night, extending Dallas’ 0-2 start to the season. The loss, to a Wizards team that is expected to struggle this year, has fueled the frustration of an already upset Mavericks fanbase.
Toward the end of the game, Mavs fans made their feelings known, chanting a familiar two-word expression from last season: “Fire Nico.” The chant refers to Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison, who shocked the NBA world last February by trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Although it may seem unfair, rookie Cooper Flagg has found himself enduring those chants while on the floor. Flagg, who the Mavericks selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft after unexpectedly winning the lottery, was not part of last year’s team. In fact, he only learned about the Doncic trade from a distance while still playing college basketball at Duke.
On Friday night, some fans didn’t hesitate to voice their desire for new management. When asked about the chants after the game, Flagg initially said he hadn’t noticed them. After reporters explained the “Fire Nico” chant, the Mavs rookie responded,
> “I’m just locked in on the game. I didn’t even hear those. I’m listening to coach, listening to the guys on the team, the vets. Just trying to figure out as many ways as I can to help the team impact the game in a positive way. I try to tune all that stuff out.”
Flagg’s response speaks volumes about his character. At just 18 years old, he already exhibits remarkable maturity and a fierce commitment to winning. His focus on the game rather than the surrounding distractions highlights his determination to help the team succeed.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd also addressed the issue, acknowledging the fans’ frustrations.
> “I think they have a right to vent,” Kidd said. “This is a different team, this is a new team. Just getting to understand each other, we’re gonna keep learning each other. So I would say be patient, but I understand the frustration. We all want to win, we all want to compete at a high level. This is a game of expression and fans have a right to express themselves. It doesn’t stop us from coming to work tomorrow and getting better and getting ready for Sunday.”
Looking ahead, the Mavericks hope to bounce back with a strong performance against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. A rebound effort could be exactly what the team—and the fans—need to quiet the noise and regain confidence.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/dallas-mavericks/mavericks-news-cooper-flagg-fire-nico-chants-aac
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