Mavericks' Breakout Guard 'Turning the Corner', Says Jason Kidd

Brandon Williams has stepped up in Kyrie Irving's absence, impressing the Mavericks' head coach.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd praised the recent performance of guard Brandon Williams, who has emerged as a bright spot for the team with Kyrie Irving sidelined. Williams recorded a double-double in the Mavericks' win over the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing his ability to facilitate and make plays for his teammates.

Why it matters

The Mavericks have shifted their focus to the future after parting ways with Anthony Davis, and several guards are auditioning for long-term roles with the team. Williams' breakout stretch could earn him a more prominent position in the Mavericks' backcourt rotation going forward.

The details

Williams has averaged 15.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 56.9% shooting over his last 21 appearances. The Mavericks have been 6.4 points better per 100 possessions with him on the court vs. off this season, the team's best mark among players who have played over 600 minutes. Kidd praised Williams' ability to 'play-make for others' and use his speed to get into the paint and create opportunities for his teammates.

  • On Tuesday, February 25, 2026, Williams recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 assists in the Mavericks' 123-114 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
  • Over his last four games, Williams has posted at least 15 points and seven assists three times.

The players

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

Brandon Williams

A 26-year-old guard for the Dallas Mavericks who has emerged as a breakout player during Kyrie Irving's absence.

Kyrie Irving

The star point guard for the Dallas Mavericks who is currently sidelined for the season.

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What they’re saying

“I think you can see that he's turned the corner of being able to play-make for others. Using his speed to get into the paint and not always looking to score, but making plays for others. And tonight, he did that. I think it was a carryover from Sunday's game. He made some big shots for us. I thought he played pretty good defense too... But I think you can see he's starting to get comfortable running the team.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach (clutchpoints.com)

“I've worked on my game a lot. Credit that to the people behind the scenes. [Keith] Veney and Dru [Anthrop], all those guys make sure I'm ready, as well as Phil [Handy]. I'm doing whatever it takes. Offensively and even defensively as well, just being scrappy on that end. But offensively, I'm just taking what the defense gives. Relying a lot on, obviously everybody knows about Kyrie, but the [other] floor setters for our team, Ryan [Nembhard] and Tyus [Jones], I'm always leaning on those guys and seeing what they're seeing. Asking them what they're seeing out there and putting it into my game. Ultimately, it's leading to wins.”

— Brandon Williams (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Mavericks will face a decision on whether to re-sign Williams in unrestricted free agency this summer.

The takeaway

Brandon Williams' breakout performance during Kyrie Irving's absence has showcased his ability to facilitate and make plays for his teammates, potentially earning him a more prominent role in the Mavericks' backcourt rotation going forward.